Nov 25, 2017 - I got one of those Spanish Star BM Pistols in 9mm. Very Nice Pistol. My Questions are about the 3 Serial Numbers on the Frame of the Pistol. Sep 17, 2006  Mine, besides the Star, Interarms and caliber markings, only has a serial number on the right side of the frame above the trigger guard. The other symbol and number markings that you describe are absent on both handguns.

The Star Model B was made by Star Bonifacio Echeverria S.A. Of Eibar, Spain in the period 1933-1975 and was the first 9 mm Parabellum (9 X 19 mm or 9 mm Luger) made by Star. Star sold some 27,000 of the Model B to the German Military in the period May 15, 1942 to June 6, 1944. Bulgaria purchased about 15,000 in 1943-44. This pistol was also used by South Africa and the West German police after WWII. In 1940, Great Britain had purchased a small number of Star Model B’s and other Spanish handguns and any other handgun that would shoot from the U.

And Argentina in a desperation maneuver to help stave of the expected German invasion of the British Isles. There were four variations of markings in the pistols actually received by the German Military. The first variation consisting of 2,000 pistols for the German army delivered May 15, 1942 and 2,000 for the German navy delivered May 28, 1942 which carried the standard Star company markings on the left side of the slide and had no Waffen Amt (Weapons Office) acceptance markings. The second variation consisting of 4,000 pistols for the German army and 3,999 for the German navy was delivered July 26, 1943 had the standard Star slide markings but had The Waffen Amt stamps WaA251 surmounted by an eagle located on the right grip tang. The third variation had the standard Star slide markings with the addition of the German caliber designation, Patr 08, added to the left side of the slide and consisted of 5,000, half for the army, half for the navy, which were delivered May 29, 1944. The Waffen Amt on the right grip tang was WaAD20 surmounted by an eagle. The fourth variation had the third variation slide markings with the Star company Starburst logo moved to a location in front of the company name rather than behind it as in earlier variations and consisted of 8,000 pistols delivered June 6, 1944, D-day.

A fifth variation consisting of 2,000 pistols was shipped June 7, 1944, but was not delivered since the Alllied invasion closed the Spanish border. These pistols and several thousand others were delivered to the West German police after the war. Serial numbers of the pistols delivered to Germany can be found in “Spanish Handguns” by Gene Gangarosa, Jr. The pistol in the above image is a First Variation of the Star Model B which was delivered to the Germany Army Headquarters at Hendaye, France May 28, 1942 and by serial number, designated for the German Navy. Pistols destined for the German Navy generally did not have German Waffenampt markings. The Cal 08 marking on the barrel chamber is the German designation for the 9 mm Parabellum (9 mm Luger or 9 X 19 mm) cartridge.

Retail value for a Model B in the U.S. In the condition shown would range from $225 to $350 depending on mechanical and bore condition. The military issue holster, cleaning rod and extra magazine, if original, will add $75-$100 premium. Pdf file converter. Images by (guest) So.

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