Guns Astra Guns

Astra M900 Pistol Astra_ M900_L.jpg Left side of an early Astra Model 900. The side plate inscription of "Astra" Automatic Pistol Cal 7(underlined)63 is the earliest production type of marking, and is normally found on pistols in the serial number range of 1 to about 12,000. The serial number of this specific Model 900 (1824) and be seen just above the left grip panel.   Astra_ M900_L_CU.jpg Close up of the left side markings. This is a refinished firearm, and the fine pitting under the reblue can be clearly seen in this photo. Astra_ M900_R.jpg Left side of the Astra Model 900. The rampant lion of the Eibar Proof House (used July 18, 1923 to December 14, 1929) can be faintly seen on the barrel and right chamber flat. Unlike the Mauser C96 (in which the barrel and barrel extension are one forging) the Astra Model 900 uses a separate barrel screwed into the barrel extension - and hence both barrel and barrel extension are proofed. Also visible (albeit faintly) is the early "P.V." proof of the Eibar Proof House on the frame, above the trigger. This proof mark was abandoned in 1927 in favor of a year code proof mark, and so we can at least date this pistol's production to no later than 1927, which is presumed to be the first year of production for the Astra Model 900. Astra_ M900_T_CU.jpg Close up of the chamber markings of the Astra Model 900. This "Hope" marking is something of a mystery, and has contributed to some controversy as to just when production of the Model 900 began. The firm we now know as Astra was founded in as "Esperanza y Unceta" on July 17, 1908 in the town of Eibar by Don Juan Esperanza and Don Pedro Unceta. The word "Hope" is not uncommon on pistols produced by Esperanza y Unceta. This original company changed to Unceta y Cia in 1926 when Sr, Esperanza dissolved the partnership and moved on to found his own company. Production of the Astra Model 900 by Unceta y Cia under the trade name "Astra" is thought to have begun in 1927. And therein lies the tale. The Spanish name "Esperanza" translates into English as "Hope", and leaves us with the question of why "Hope" would appear on the chamber of a pistol assumed to have been made after Esperanza was no longer associated with the company that produced the firearm. To date, no completely satisfactory explanation has emerged.