Star Model A Spanish Air Force 9mm Largo Semi-Automatic Pistol MFD 1946 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1105
LSB#: 211104DW18
Make: Star Bonifacio Echeverria, Spain (imported by Century Arms International)
Model: A, for Arma Tropas Aviacion (Spanish Air Force)
Serial Number: 01825 (Import) 283900 (Original)
Year of Manufacture: 1946 (Q Date Code)
Caliber: 9mm Largo
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with the Star sunburst logo, “STAR”, “B. ECHEVERRIA / EIBAR-ESPAÑA”, “S.A.”, “CAL. 9mm”, and a Spanish proof mark. The right side of the slide and frame are marked with the Spanish Air Force logo, “ARMA TROPAS AVIACION”, the Spanish Air Force eagle, and “EJERCITO DEL AIRE” in a circle. The left side of the frame is marked with a Spanish “Q” date code, indicating the year of manufacture as 1946, and a Spanish proof mark. The right side of the frame is import-marked C.A.I. ST. ALB., VT / 9MM LARGO SPAIN”, and the import serial number, “01825”. The left side trigger guard bow is marked with a Spanish proof mark. The right side of the barrel visible through the ejection port is marked with a Spanish proof mark. The heel of the grip frame is marked with the model designation, “A”, and the original factory serial number, “283900”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are replacement two-piece checkered wood panels, each with smooth diamonds. The checkering in both panels has a few spots where it is lightly worn or compressed. Smooth areas have intermittent minor nicks and compressions. Ther checkering is otherwise well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition, as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued with Case Color Hammer
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is still rather bright with well-defined rifling. There is stubborn fouling and light erosion on the lands.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its metal finish. The slide has scattered minor nicks and minor thinning on some edges. The guard has minor thinning on some edges. The checkering on the mainspring housing has a bit of minor surface oxidation. The grip screws are all lightly tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This model has a manual safety and a quarter-cock hammer notch. The slide has some play to the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This pistol includes its original Spanish Air Force issue box, the original manual, one (1) 8-round magazine, and a cleaning rod.
Our Assessment: From star-firearms.com: “Information on Star as a company has traditionally been hard to get because they were an old-school European company. They tend to only want to communicate through the distributor network, and because in many countries their distributors consider them a second-tier brand, so did nothing to promote their story. But the biggest problem… now is that they no longer exist.” Too bad. Pistols made in Spain were attractive to buyers for the reputation of Spanish steel, which was known to “hold an edge” as it were, and Star made firearms for three quarters of a century, but ultimately shuttered in 1997 in a quagmire of financial problems, being outpaced by the market, and workforce attrition. The Modelo “A” on offer here is a cousin to the M1911A1, was produced in 1946 and was issued to the Spanish Air Force, or Arma Tropas Aviacion. Rare to pistols of this age are the included original Spanish Air Force box and product manual. The pistol has very little wear, the bore and mechanics are great. This is truly a lovely bit of militaria. Good luck and happy bidding!