Argentine HAFDASA Ballester-Molina - 1945 mfg

Description

1/27/26 - This is a nice example of a HAFDASA Ballester-Molina pistol manufactured in Argentine in 1945. The Ballester-Molina Pistol, originally known as Ballester-Rigaud (and marked as such during the first years of manufacture, circa 1938 to 1940), were made in Argentina by the Hispano Argentina de Automotives SA (HAFDASA) company. Manufacture started in 1938 in an attempt to provide Argentinean police and military with a less expensive alternative to the Colt Modelo 1927 Pistol, a domestically made licensed copy of the American Colt M1911A1 pistol. Production of the Ballester-Molina ceased in the early 1950s. This one is matching and has retained about 95% of its finish. There is wear around the muzzle, very light high edge wear, and some wear on the tang. While there isn't much actual finish loss, there are a couple of areas of light oxidation on the left side of the slide, some minor pitting around the muzzle, and some light surface scratching on both sides of the slide. The gun is fitted with the correct wood grips. Period-correct magazine serialized, though not matching to this particular gun. Terrific bore with very little signs of use. Matching numbers on frame, barrel and slide. No import mark.