This is just an exceptionally RARE example of an original unaltered Astra Model "F" full-automatic pistol with the rate reducer mechanism. This pistol was designed to capitalize on the popularity of the Mauser Broomhandle by being almost identical in size and shape as the 1932 (or 712) model Broomhandle Mauser which was also a full-automatic pistol that also used a detachable box magazine. These Astra F's were produced expressly for the "Guardia Civil" with a total production of approximately 1100 and they were the last Broomhandle produced at the Astra factory with production ending in 1935 at the onset of the Spanish Civil war. Any fully-automatic Astra pistol is very rare with these Astra model "F" pistols being extremely rare and unique as they were specifically designed and produced with a rate-reducer mechanism inside the grip assembly. Originally the German 1932 Schnellfeurer and the first full-automatic Model 900 pistols fired with an extremely high cyclic rate of fire, estimated at approximately 800-900 rounds per minute. This high rate of fire caused excessive, uncontrolled, muzzle climb and with a 20-30 round magazine, the rounds were literally gone in a fraction of a second. In an attempt to counter this problem, these model "F" had a ratcheting mechanism inside the grip assembly that acted as a cyclic rate reducer to help keep the pistol to a more manageable rate of fire. When you hold and cock the hammer, you can actually see and feel the hammer go through this ratcheting cycle to reduce the firing time, Kind of Neat! With this rate reduced installed the cyclic rate of fire was reduced to approximately 350 rounds per minute. This is still plenty high for a handgun when a M3 Grease gun fires at approximately 450 rounds per minute! This rate reducer (coupled with the wooden shoulder stock/combination holster) made this style of handgun far more manageable in the full automatic model. Generally they operate exactly like a 1896 Broomhandle Mauser, however access to the internal mechanism is very different from the Mauser pistols in that access is through a sliding plate on the left side of the frame. The side plate is marked in two line "Pista Ametra ASTRA modo "F" de 9mm(38) / Unceta y Compania GUERNICA (Espana)" with the serial number directly below this on the edge of the frame above the grip panel. The right side of the frame has the single selector switch that is marked "A" for full-automatic and "T" for firing with the rate reducer engaged. The right side also has the Eibar proof marks that consist of a knight's helmet over a small box with an "X" inside, "S" and the single circled "P" proof for automatic pistols. This same circled "P" proof is found on the right front edge of the barrel extension and again on the rear end of the barrel directly in front of the chamber area. It has the standard tangent rear sight graduated from 50-500 meters with the fixed inverted "V" front sight. The back strap is cut for shoulder stock and it has the 12 groove grip panels, with a lanyard ring on the butt. It has the rust blued finish with heat blued safety, extractor and trigger.

Excellent overall with approximately 95-97% of the original blue finish with wear along the edges and high spots, with more wear on the front edges of the frame rails and down the frame rails on both sides from sitting in a holster. There is also wear around the muzzle area, and the front and rear grip straps, with some fine spots of pin-prick pitting on the right side of the barrel. There is an average of approximately 50-60% of the heat blued finish on the three parts noted above. The grips are very fine and retain 90-95% of an old revarnish finish. This pistol is also missing the magazine. An excellent example of a very rare Astra Model F Fully Automatic pistol. (Class III Weapon)