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Title:	PISTOL, SEMI-AUTOMATIC -  SPANISH PISTOL ASTRA MODEL 600/43 (P(ASTRA)600/43) 9MM SN# 44161
Maker/Manufacturer:	UNCETA Y COMPANIA
Date of Manufacture:	1945
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 971
Measurements:	OL: 20.3CM 8" BL:

Object Description:

SPANISH PISTOL ASTRA MODEL 600/43 (P(ASTRA)600/43) 9MM SN# 44161
Manufactured by Unceta y Compania, Guernica, Spain - Standard semi-auto pistol with 8-round magazine feed mechanism made in Spain for Germany. Ordered during WWII, but not delivered until after war. West German police issue. Weapon complete with 8-round magazine. Missing barrel and recoil spring.

Markings:
Frame: S Spanish proofs. Right side: 44161.
Slide: 44161. UNCETA Y COMPANIA S.A./GUERNICA ESPANA/"ASTRA" MOD. 600/43/9 MM PARABELLUM. Spanish proof.
Magazine: Astra logo.

Weapon transferred to the Museum on 4 February 1965. At that time weapon was appraised at $47.90.

Notes: "Astra is a brand name placed on guns built by Esperanza y Unceta and then Unceta y Cia. The firm under the direction of Don Pedron Unceta and Don Juan Esperanza began business in Eibar on July 17, 1908 and moved to Guernica in 1913. The Astra trademark was adopted on November 15, 1914. Esperanza began production of the Spanish army's Camp Giro pistol in 1913. The Model 1921 was marketed commercially as the Astra 400. After the Spanish Civil War Unceta was one of only four handgun companies permitted to resume manufacturing operations. An interesting and informative side note is that pistols with 1000 to 5000 model numbers were made after 1945." - Schwing

References:
Schwing, Ned. 1998 STANDARD CATALOG OF FIREARMS. 8th Ed. Krause Publications. Iola, Wi. 1998.