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LOT 449
Exceptional Exhibition Quality Factory Engraved Gold Damascened Astra Model 300 Semi-Automatic Pistol Attributed as Presented from the King of Spain to the President of Ecuador with Presentation Case - Serial no. 356141, 380 automatic cal., 3 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/gold finish, plastic grips. This elaborately engraved, gold inlaid, and gold damascened Astra Model 300 pistol includes an Ecuadoran sales receipt dated “JAN, 14/90” stating the pistol was given as a gift from King Alfonso XIII of Spain to Dr. Juan Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra, the President of Ecuador in 1925. The pistol itself is dated “1926” on the top left of the slide, so the difference on the receipt is likely a simple error. Ibarra (1893-1979) was an Ecuadoran politician and president of Ecuador. Despite being president of the country five times, Ibarra only completed one full term (1952-1956) as president, and was only elected president by vote in four of his various terms. Best known as a populist with a preoccupation with building infrastructure, during his multiple terms as president he oversaw the building of roads, schools, hospitals, and airfields. The pistol features a full gold damascened finish with contrasting blue finish. The barrel shroud features the abbreviated Spanish (Castile and Leon) coat of arms on the right, and the Ecuadoran coat of arms on the left consisting of two lions and two towers, and a sailing ship and
mountain respectively. The balance features fine arabesque scroll and geometric designs, punch dot border lines, matching gold plated trigger and safety/slide catch, matching serial numbers on the left side of the frame and slide, standard markings on top of the slide, Spanish proofs on the left side of the frame, checkered plastic grips with Astra sunburst logo in the center and blue magazine with matching gold plated baseplate. Includes a blue leatherette presentation case, extra magazine with matching gold plated base, and blue bore rod. CONDITION: Very fine with 90% plus original gold damascened finish remaining, some small areas of visible thinning and edge wear, handling marks overall, and oxidation visible in the cocking serrations. The grips are also very fine with crisp checkering, and some small dings. Case is fair with mostly separated hinge area, edge and corner wear throughout, and visible wear and staining on the interior. Mechanically excellent. An attractive and scarce Spanish presentation pistol. Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000
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