December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
To aid the Nationalist overthrow of Spain, Germany formed the infamous Condor Legion comprised of approximately 5,000 troops from the Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht who served with Spanish Nationalist forces, practicing their tactics in prelude to World War II, perhaps most famously overtaking Guernica, home of Astra. Between 1937 and 1939, a total of 358 Astra Model 300 pistols were delivered to the Condor Legion, 158 of which were factory engraved and silver plated. This example is listed by serial number in L.M. Antaris' "Astra Automatic Pistols" as one of these pistols. Originally manufactured in 1935, it was pulled from commercial production on hand at the factory. Like other examples, it features full silver plating engraved with tight foliate scrolls. Slide shroud marked with large commercial Astra logo, standard Spanish proofs present on frame. Grips are 2-piece imitation mother of pearl with polychrome Astra logos. Complete with 2 silver-plated magazines and a brown leather German flap holster with white stitching. CONDITION: Very good overall. Nearly all of the silver plating is intact with a very pleasant, bright toned patina. Magazine bases have some minor finish flaking. Right grip has an older repaired split at the center. Grips are otherwise very good with light wear to the logos. Strong, frosted bore. Mechanically fine. Holster is supple and without any major distress. An extremely attractive and historic pistol.