Deactivated Rare Astra Model 400 Issued to Spanish Civil Guard / Border Police dated 1924.

This is a rare Spanish Civil War / WW2 era Astra Model 400 or M1921 pistol issued to Spanish Civil Guard / Border Police dated 1924. This beautiful condition Astra Type 1 (First model) was made in 1924 and is dated accordingly. The slide bears the crest of the Spanish Carabineros or Guardia Civil. The force was established in 1829 and lasted until 1940 as a paramilitary gendarmerie patroling the coasts and borders of the country. This model was first adopted into service in 1921 as the standard Spanish military / police sidearm being used during their Civil War (1936 to 1939) and WW2. These large framed pistols have a reputation for having a very strong recoil springs and this one is no exception requiring a firm grip to cock prior to dry firing. These big pistols chamber the equally large 9mm Largo ammuntion. Deactivated with a working action it can be cocked and dry fired.