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Astra Model 900, 7.63 Mauser, (Early Single Line Address)
Guns International #: 103030804 Seller's Inventory #: Broomhandles 02
Category: Astra Pistols - Military Pistols - German
Seller's Information
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Seller: SRHoney
Member Since: 3/16/25
First Name: Ryan
State: Georgia
Zip: 30568
Country: United States
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted:
Description:
• Make: Astra
• Model: 900
• Caliber: 7.63mm Mauser
• Serial Number: 4293
• Manufacturer: Astra-Unceta y Cía, Spain
• Production Date: Early 1920s (circa 1927-1930), based on the “Very Early Single Line” designation and serial number, aligning with early production runs (approximately 1,000 units).
• Type: Semi-automatic pistol • Variant: Very Early Single Line Address, a rare early production model distinguished by its single-line address marking, enhancing collectible value.
• Provenance: From the collection of Mr. Honey, a renowned expert in German military firearms with over 60 years of collecting experience.
Physical Description: The pistol features a blued steel frame with a long barrel (approximately 5.2 inches), fixed front and rear sights (blade front, 1000-meter tangent rear sight), and wooden grips with horizontal grooves. It includes a lanyard ring and a manual safety catch. The finish shows minor wear, with light scratches and patina, but is exceptionally well-preserved for its age, aligning with Mr. Honey’s 90+ percent condition assessment.
Markings and Proof Marks:
• Manufacturer’s Mark: Left side of the frame near the trigger guard: “ASTRA AUTOMATIC PISTOL CAL 7.63”
• Serial Number: “4293”, located on the frame near the trigger guard.
• Proof Marks: • Spanish Proof Marks: Rampant lion on the side of the chamber, identified as a Spanish proof mark from the Eibar proof house in use since 1923, it was the single and final proof for all self loading firearms and revolvers. The second mark, a Crowned “X” in a shield in use since 1929 is an Eibar House admission proof for guns with old marks, Finally, an “A” with a small star above, a possible inspector’s or assembler’s mark.
• Additional Markings: A second rampant lion stamp on the barrel, matching the one on the side of the chamber, reinforcing its Spanish origin and proofing; tangent rear sight marked with range increments (100 to 1000 meters), typical of the Astra 900 design.
Condition and Percentage-Based Grading:
Our assessment of the pistol at 90+ percent condition aligns with its appearance as a well-preserved collector’s piece. Using a percentage-based grading system, the condition is evaluated as follows:
• Overall Condition: Excellent (90-95%)The pistol retains approximately 90-95% of its original blued finish, with minimal wear, light scratches, and patina, consistent with careful handling and storage over its nearly 100-year lifespan. This aligns with the NRA “Excellent” grade (90%+ finish, minor wear on working surfaces, no major defects).
• Grading by Parts (Percentage of Original Condition):
Barrel | Minimal wear, proof marks intact, bore assumed clean | 92% Excellent
Slide | Light scratches, engravings fully legible, finish well-preserved | 94%| Excellent
Frame | Minor patina on edges, markings clear, no significant damage | 90%| Excellent
Grips | Wooden, slight aging around screw, no cracks or repairs, lanyard ring intact | 88% Very Good
Mechanism | fully functional (safety and trigger operational), no visible damage | 95% Excellent
• Notes on Condition: The blued finish is remarkably intact at 90-95%, with only light thinning on high-contact areas (e.g., edges of the slide and frame) and minimal patina, supporting Mr. Honey’s 90+ percent assessment. • The wooden grips show slight aging (e.g., minor discoloration around the screw), but their structural integrity is excellent, rated slightly lower at 88% due to age-related wear.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Astra 900’s historical use in the Spanish Civil War and WWII, including sales to Germany, adds significant value. The “Very Early Single Line” variant, with an estimated production of 1,000 units, is a collector’s rarity, as noted in the Blue Book of Gun Values. Provenance from Mr. Honey’s collection, a highly regarded expert with over 60 years of experience, further enhances its value, as his expertise lends credibility and historical context.
Price: $4,000.00
Curio/Relic: Yes
Handgun Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (30 Mauser)
Manufacturer: Astra
Model: 900
Condition: 92
Metal Condition: 95
Wood Condition: 88
Bore Condition: 90