SOLD - HAFDASA Ballester-Molina - British Contract (B6706 - 27182)

Description

9/21/23 - This is an excellent example of a rare HAFDASA Ballester-Molina that was produced as part of an 8,000 pistol order by the British government. Per Forgotten Weapons, they were produced between 1942 and 1944, and are easily identified by the application of a second serial number on the left side with a “B” prefix. The exact details of the contract are lost, but the British appear to have paid at least in part in steel (in very short supply in Argentina at the time) and also supplied the steel needed to make the pistols, probably via US Lend-Lease. Some of these Ballester Molina pistols were supplied to SOE agents or resistance organizations, while others remained unissued at the end of the war. This one is matching and has retained about 95% of its bluing with minor muzzle wear, a few tiny dots of discoloration on the right side of the slide, and an area of wear at the back right of the slide. Fitted with nice period-correct wood grips and comes with one proper magazine. Most of the bore is shiny with strong rifling, but there is some light frosting in the grooves.