POTD: Extraordinary Gold Damascene Astra 300 Semi-Automatic Pistol
Sam.S 10.05.21
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have an extremely embellished Astra 300 Spanish pistol. The Astra 300 was one of Spain’s big entries into the concealed carry market in 1923. These pocket pistols were scaled-down versions of the Model 400 which was chambered for the 9mm Largo cartridge. The 300 was made in both .32 ACP and .380 ACP. The Astra 300 featured a manual thumb safety and grip safety. The detachable magazine held 6 or 7 rounds depending on the cartridge. It should be mentioned that the biggest buyer of these little pocket pistols was none other than Germany.
“Manufactured prior to 1947, and factory embellished with nearly full coverage of gold damascene floral scroll and geometric designs with a black background and punch dot bordering. Proof marks are still visible on the left rear of the frame and slide with “ASTRA” on the back of the frame. The barrel, trigger sides and safety lever have been jeweled. Blade front and fixed notch rear sights, unmarked nickel magazine with jeweled floor plate and fitted with simulated pearl grips with a crest on the lower left panel. Complete with a Brauer Bros. fleece lined vinyl and leather holster.”
Lot 3549: Extraordinary Gold Damascene Astra 300 Semi-Automatic Pistol. (n.d.). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved October 5, 2021, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/55/3549/extraordinary-gold-damascene-astra-300-semiautomatic-pistol.
