This is a representative example of a late production Spanish Astra 900 semi-automatic pistol manufactured circa 1940. These were manufactured by the Astra-Unceta SA company with a large number of them exported to China and the German Army, as this example was during WWII (the serial range is listed on page 120 of "Axis Pistols, Volume II" by Jan C. Still). Externally they are a close copy to the 1896 Mauser semi-automatic pistol, with the same feel, weight and firing characteristics, however, these models have a removable side plate that exposes the internal mechanism. The left side of the receiver is marked ""ASTRA" AUTOMATIC PISTOL CAL 7.63/PATENTED JULY 12, 1928/Unceta y Compania GUERNICA (Spain)". The serial number "33078" is stamped on the lower edge of the frame just above the grip panel. The right side of the frame and forward section of the barrel extension/barrel have the Spanish proof and acceptance marks. It has a standard fixed, ten-round box magazine, with the rear grip strap machined for the attaching iron. Fitted with a tangent rear sight graduated from 50-1000 meters, fixed inverted "V" style front sight, twelve grasping groove grips, large ring hammer and lanyard loop on the bottom of the butt. These pistols have an all blued finish with bright nitre blue finish on the trigger, bolt release, rear sight slide, rear sight aperture and extractor. The grips are correctly numbered to the pistol with partial serial number "78".

Very fine with 85% plus original blue finish, areas of high point and edge wear, scattered small surface scratches, some patches of visible pitting on the right side of the barrel, and thinning to a gray patina on the grip straps. The small parts retain 60% original bright nitre blue with visible high point wear and dark patina on the balance. The grips are also fine with sharp serrations and numerous small dings. Mechanically excellent.