Manufactured from 1923 to 1931, these Model P pistols were based heavily on John Browning's design for the Model 1911 pistol and were intended for use by the Spanish military. This is one of only approximately 11,168 Model P pistols manufactured. With many being exported to South America or seeing hard use during the Spanish Civil War, these pistols very rarely come up on the American collector's market. This example is marked with its "1924" manufacture date on the top rear of the slide. The left side of the slide is marked "BONAFACIO ECHEVERRIA EIBAR <ESPANA> STAR CAL. 45" with a Spanish rampant lion proof behind the serrations. The left of the frame has "crown/shield", rampant lion, and "PV" proofs. The early three-digit serial number is marked on the butt. It is fitted with blade and windage adjustable notch sights, long smooth trigger, serrated slide stop, Second Model pattern thumb safety, and hammer, First Model smooth flat back strap, a lanyard ring on the lower left, and checkered grips with the Star trademark.

Fine, retains 70% of the original high polish blue finish with the balance thinning to mostly a smooth grey patina, a brown patina on the grip straps and a few scattered patches of light surface pitting. The grips are good with a repaired crack in the right panel, a hairline crack at the top of the right panel, and some minor handling marks throughout, with well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. Writer cannot recall another example at our auction!