WWII Spanish Star Model B, RARE German Navy Shipped, Nazi Marked Blue 5” Semi-Auto Pistol, 2 Mags & Holster, MFD 1942 C&R
Sold For: $1,602.00
LSB#: 160903BB01
Make: Star Continuadora De B. Echeverria
Model: B
Serial Number: 224868
Year of Manufacture: 1942 (N Date Code), Shipped July 26, 1943 to the German Navy.
Caliber: 9mm Luger / Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “STAR-SA / CONTINUADORA DE / B. ECHEVERRIA / EIBAR / ESPANA / CAL 9 M/M” with the star burst logo, the left back left side of the slide has a bombed “P” Eibar semiautomatic pistol proof mark. The underside flat of the slide is marked with Roman numerals “XIII” and “XVIII”, the hammer cut is marked “S”. The right rear of the slide and right rear of the frame are marked “4338”, found again on the barrel, which is also marked “Cal. 08” with “P” in bomb. The right rear of the frame is marked with a large “B” and stick eagle waffenamt “WaA251”, a code known to exist on this shipment of pistols. The left side of the frame is marked “~” over “N” date code and Eibar proof of knight’s helmet over “X” in shield. The butt of the grip frame is marked “B” over the serial number. The holster is marked “ftc / 1942” with eagle clutched, circled swastika and waffenamt code “WaA182”, which is the code and initials for Frost und Jahnel.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded half-moon set blade. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched combat sight base, dovetailed onto the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut panels, which show a few flat checkers, some areas are compressed but still defined. There are tiny losses around the left grip’s lower screw hole with some natural darkening throughout, from age and handling. There are no cracks or major damages. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, with Case Colored Hammer, Spring Guide & Barrel Link
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a few infrequent instances of extremely light surface erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The left side of the slide has thin scratch marks, the leading edges have some thinning and rub wear from holster use. The pistol has scattered mild handling marks, commonly found with service pistols from this era, this being said, the bluing is deep, the case colored items retain vivid hue. The back strap, hammer, thumb safety and slide stop checkering is crisply defined with some light edge wear and faint compression, please see our pictures of this beautiful pistol! The screw heads show only light use and are highly serviceable. The Spanish slide markings are incomplete in areas, the balance of the markings are deep and sharp, with raised metal round the edges. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is smooth, the hammer has a strong mainspring and the slide to frame fit is solid, with negligible play observed. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included are two blue factory magazines, marked “STAR” on the toe of the base plates; one of the magazines is hand etched “289”. Both magazines have rough blemishes under the finish, as from the factory. The springs are strong and the feed lips are unmarred, the magazines are in about Fine Plus to Excellent condition. Also included is a brown leather holster with hand written “N.M. V6” and is marked “ftc / 1942” with a waffenamt code associated with Frost und Jahnel. The holster has exterior scuffing and shallow surface cracks but the material is strong and free from major damages. The holster is in about Fine condition for its age.
Our Assessment: The Star Model B is a close copy of the Colt 1911, the most notable exceptions being the lack of a grip safety and a non-removable mainspring housing. Over the years, the Star pistols have shown that their reliability is outstanding, and that they are a great buy for the money. Evidently, the German’s thought so too, and bought enough of them to have their own inspection at Eibar, Spain (hence the 251 Waffenamt proof). This pistol shipped on lot number 14, July 26, 1943, to the German Navy within the 223776-225006. About 10,500 Star B pistols were shipped for the Kriegsmarine, making this a highly interesting find for collectors, though with the strong, bright and sharp bore, it should perform very well on the range as well. We have had some interesting WWII pistols come through the shop, very few remain in this condition. An included holster, marked for 1942, the same year of production as the pistol, is included along with two blue magazines, which are not serialized to the pistol but make for a nice addition.
