SOLD - Rare, Minty HAFDASA Ballester-Molina - British Contract

Description

7/13/21 - This is a terrific 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 particular pistol is in terrific, original condition with only minor high edge wear around the front of the slide, and a small area of bluing loss along the top of the slide. Minty bore and excellent grips. Comes with two original magazines, which are numbered on the base but mismatched to the pistol.