Star Model S (1941) .380 ACP - Spanish Air Force Issue, Blued, 4 in Barrel, Compact, 8+1, Crest-Stamped Slide, Matching Air Force Box
This Star Model S is a Spanish Air Force (Ejército del Aire) issue pistol in .380 ACP with its original Air Force-marked box that matches the pistol’s serial. It features a locked-breech design uncommon for the caliber, a compact 4-inch barrel, and blued carbon-steel construction. The slide carries Spanish Air Force crest stamps and the classic STAR B. ECHEVERRIA slide legend, making this a well-marked service example with solid provenance.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal shows minor, superficial scratches and small handling marks.
What’s Included
- Original Spanish Air Force cardboard box ("Ejército del Aire") with "Modelo S.-1941 Cal. 9 m/m Corto (380)" end label matching the pistol's serial
- Manual
- Two 8-round single-stack steel magazines with elongated witness slots (Star Model S pattern)
The Model S combines a compact size with a 4-inch barrel and an 8+1 capacity in .380 ACP. Its short-recoil, locked-breech operation is a distinctive feature for this caliber, offering a mechanical setup not commonly seen in .380 pistols.
As an Ejército del Aire issue sidearm, this pistol bears Spanish Air Force crest stamps on the slide and includes its original Air Force-marked box with a label denoting "Modelo S.-1941 Cal. 9 m/m Corto (380)" that matches the pistol’s serial. This pairing provides clear service provenance and period-correct packaging.
The slide is marked "STAR B. ECHEVERRIA S.A. EIBAR – ESPAÑA CAL. .380," and the factory serial (00694) is stamped on the left frame flat ahead of the trigger guard. The butt/backstrap is marked "S 276844," which is the Spanish Air Force property/inventory number; both numbers are reflected on the box label.
A G.A.I. MIA FL import mark is present. The pistol retains a blued finish on its carbon-steel slide and frame, with black checkered synthetic grips featuring round "STAR TRADE MARK" medallions.
Fixed iron sights include a small front blade and a fixed rear notch for a simple, durable sight picture. The pistol uses a single-action trigger with a thumb safety and an external spur hammer. A lanyard ring at the heel and Star-pattern magazines with elongated witness slots reflect its service-oriented design.