June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Built at the Eibar plant in Spain, utilizing the C-96 patent, Astra began building these flat side Broomhandles in the 1920's from serial No. 1 and up. While gold Damascene was most common type of decoration, very few of these pistols were also deep relief engraved, as can be seen on page 349 in the book Astra Firearms by Antaris. The engraving is exquisitely performed and we can find so signature of the engraver. Offered is a beautiful Broomhandle semi-automatic pistol chambered for the 7.63mm cartridge. It is fully chisel-engraved and gold plated, retaining virtually all of the finish. The engraving is full coverage and deeply chiseled. It has been gold plated with Nitre blued small parts. The varnished walnut grips are near mint. Panel design on magazine wall with hidden animals in various parts of the border engraving. Mint bore and perfect action. A similar plated and engraved Astra appears on the American Rifleman magazine (copy of the cover to be included). Comes in a contemporary case. Obviously an important presentation for sales or dignitary.
Caliber/Bore
7.63mm Mauser