Astra 600/43 9mm Parabellum Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1035
LSB#: 210506MW95
Make: Astra
Model: 600/43
Serial Number: 51443
Year of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Grip Safety
Markings: The left side of the slide behind the serrations is marked with a “P” in a bomb proof mark. The top of the slide behind the ejection port is marked “UNCETA Y COMPAÑIA S.A. / GUERNICA ESPAÑA”, “”ASTRA” MOD.600/43 / 9m/m PARABELLUM”, and “MADE IN SPAIN”. The right side of the slide behind the serrations is marked with the serial number, “51443”. The right side of the frame behind the grip panel is also marked with the serial number, “51443”. The left side of the frame behind the grip panel is marked with an Eibar proof mark, a “P” in a bomb proof mark, and a Spanish “P” date code, indicating the year of manufacture as 1945. The area of the barrel visible through the ejection port is marked with a “P” in a bomb proof mark.
Barrel Length: 5 1/4”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade, and the rear sight is a u-notch. Both are integral to the slide.
Stock Configuration, and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels. The left panel has a few spots of verdigris likely from being holstered. Both panels have a lightly weathered appearance. The checkering is well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 91% of its metal finish. There is light thinning on most edges. The slide serrations have a few light nicks. The frontstrap and grip safety have scattered spots of minor surface oxidation. Screws are lightly tool marked with strong slots and all markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This pistol will ship with two (2) 8-round magazines and a black leather holster.
Our Assessment: The Astra 600 came to be by way of the German government requesting a pistol that fired 9mm Parabellum rounds—the precursor to this pistol, the 400, fired 9mm Largo or .38 Super. By mid-1944 more than 52,000 had been delivered to Germany. When Germany lost control of supply lines to Spain, remaining stock of the 600 were stored and later sold to various governments. The serial number indicates that this 600 was certainly of those. This example is in Very Good condition, with most of its original finish remaining, a bright bore, and strong mechanics. Good luck and happy bidding!