*SOLD* Astra Model 600/43 9mm Blue 5 1/4" *GREAT PORTUGUESE NAVY CONTRACT EXAMPLE*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:

The Astra 600 is a Spanish semi-automatic pistol that gained historical significance during World War II, particularly for its service with the Wehrmacht. Originally designed by the Spanish firm Unceta y Cia as a shortened version of the earlier Astra 400, the Astra 600 was chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge, the standard issue for the German military at the time. The German government, recognizing the utility of the Astra 600 for their forces, requested that the pistol be adapted to fire this more widely available round. The redesigned model, the Pistole Astra 600/43, was approved for military use in late 1943, and around 50,000 units were eventually ordered by Germany. Production commenced in 1944, with the first shipments arriving in May, though supplies were cut off by the disruption of supply lines as German forces lost control of the border regions. Approximately 59,400 Astra 600 pistols were manufactured in total before production ceased by the end of World War II. After the war, the Astra 600's history continued in various forms. The remaining pistols, which had not been delivered to the German military, were stored by the Spanish government. Between the end of the war and 1951, small batches of Astra 600 pistols were sold to countries including Turkey, Portugal, Chile, and Costa Rica. In the early 1950s, the remaining stock was sold to West Germany, where they saw extensive use by German police forces until the late 1960s. The pistols from the German military’s initial contract, often referred to as the "first contract" Astra 600s, are easily identifiable by the Waffenamt stamp on the right rear grip, marking them as German-issued. Pistols from later contracts, including those sold to West Germany for police use, are known as "second contract" pistols, distinguished by their serial numbers above 31,350. Additionally, pistols sold to the Portuguese Navy were marked with the "MRP" (Marinha de Portugal) abbreviation on the slide. The Astra 600's diverse service history and its unique place in the conflict make it a sought-after piece for collectors of World War II-era firearms.

Specifications:

• Manufacturer: Astra
• Model: 600/43 “Portuguese Navy Contract”
• Serial: 44926
• Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
• Finish: Blue
• Barrel Length: 5 ¼" 
• Optics/Sights: Fixed
• Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic with Astra Logo
• Action: Semi-Automatic
• Markings: Standard / The left upper part of the slide is stamped “MRP.”

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