Description from HiBid
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9mm Luger Semi-Automatic Pistols, 1944 C&R. Make: Astra
Model: 600/43
Serial#: 8505, 8506
Year of Manufacture: 1944, O date code
Caliber/Gauge: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Pistols with 8-Round Detachable Magazines and Grip Safeties
Barrel Length: 5 1/4"
Sights/ Optics: The front sights are blades integral to the slides. The rear sights are "U"-notches integral to the slides.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels with a lanyard ring and magazine release on the left side. The grips have even light handling wear with some scattered nicks and light scuffs. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original. Each pistol has serial-matching slide, frame and barrel.
Bore Condition: 8505- The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8/10. 8506- The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: 8505- This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some finish wear on the sides of the dust cover and the slide above it. There is a patch of wear on the frontstrap. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches with a cluster of small nicks on the rear of the slide. There is infrequent faint surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition. 8506- This pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some finish wear on the sides of the dust cover and the slide above it. There is a patch of wear on the frontstrap. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. There is infrequent light surface oxidation, mostly in the grip areas. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The actions function correctly. We did not fire these pistols. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The pistols come in a custom display case with a total of four 8-round magazines, two leather flap-holsters, and two cleaning rods. The holsters do not have German markings.
Our Assessment: The Astra 600 was produced from approximately 1943-1944 by Francoist Spain for Germany during the later stage of WWII. Once France had been liberated by the Allies, Spain lost its ability to transfer goods to the Reich which left a surplus of model 600s sitting in storage. Some of these pistols were sold to Turkey, Portugal, Chile and Costa Rica, but the bulk were resold to West Germany after WWII where they remained in service until the late 1960s.
These two pistols were transferred to Germany during WWII, indicated by the waffenamts on the right side of the frames and correct serial range. These handguns were purportedly supplied primarily to the Luftwaffe but many also made their way to the German Army, and the Spanish pistol proved a popular sidearm throughout the Wehrmacht. The German 600/43s are certainly a great option for historical firearms collectors, and you'll be hard pressed to find another pair with consecutive serial numbers. Good luck on your bid!
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