Spanish Star Model A Carbine Pistol — 7.63mm Mauser, Shoulder Stock | Rare Collectible Firearm

Focus Keyphrase: Spanish Star Model A Carbine Pistol 7.63mm Mauser

Product Overview

The Spanish Star Model A Carbine Pistol is a rare and highly collectible firearm produced by Fábrica de Armas de Eibar (Star) in Spain during the late 1920s. Chambered in the powerful 7.63mm Mauser Broomhandle cartridge, this unique pistol bridges the gap between a handgun and a carbine. It was designed as a direct competitor to the famous Mauser C96 Broomhandle, offering a similar performance profile with a distinctly Spanish engineering approach.

Built on a Browning-inspired design, the Star Model A features an extended factory barrel, a detachable wooden shoulder stock, and superb craftsmanship. Fewer than 5,000 units were ever produced, with most exported to China, where they saw extensive use and were eventually lost to time. Only a small number remained in Spain, making surviving examples like this one extremely scarce and desirable among collectors.

Key Features & Specifications

• Manufacturer: Star (Fábrica de Armas de Eibar), Spain

• Model: Star Model A Carbine

• Caliber: 7.63mm Mauser (Broomhandle)

• Barrel: Extended factory-length carbine barrel

• Stock: Detachable wooden shoulder stock (mismatched example)

• Condition: 93–95% original finish, minor muzzle wear, light slide scratches

• Bore: Strong and clean

• Grips: Excellent original condition

• Production Era: Late 1920s

• Estimated Production: Approximately 5,000 units

Historical Significance

The Star Model A Carbine was conceived as Spain’s answer to the Mauser C96 — a semi-automatic pistol capable of exceptional range and accuracy when equipped with a shoulder stock. Its design combines Browning’s mechanical principles with the distinct aesthetic of Spanish craftsmanship, resulting in a firearm that’s both functional and elegant.

Most examples were exported to China, where they saw heavy use during the turbulent early 20th century. Few survived, making this model a true rarity in today’s collector market. The Star Model A Carbine exemplifies the innovation and precision of Spanish firearms manufacturing between the World Wars.

Collector’s Overview

This particular example stands out for its high original finish (93–95%), crisp factory markings, and excellent mechanical condition. With minimal wear on the straps and muzzle, and a strong bore, it represents one of the finest surviving examples of the model. Though the shoulder stock is mismatched, the firearm remains an authentic and historically correct example — a perfect centerpiece for any advanced collection of early 20th-century European pistols.

Why Collect the Star Model A Carbine Pistol?

• Exceptional Rarity: Limited production of just over 5,000 units worldwide

• Historical Appeal: Tied to both Spanish and Chinese military history

• Engineering Heritage: Combines Browning’s proven mechanism with Spanish design flair

• Collector Value: Highly sought after due to scarcity and condition

• Unique Configuration: Shoulder-stocked pistol with extended barrel — blending carbine stability with pistol portability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What makes the Star Model A Carbine Pistol rare?
A: Fewer than 5,000 units were produced in Spain during the late 1920s. Most were exported to China, and few survived, making intact examples extremely scarce.

Q: What cartridge does the Star Model A Carbine use?
A: It’s chambered in the 7.63mm Mauser Broomhandle cartridge, the same caliber used in the Mauser C96 pistol.

Q: Is the shoulder stock original to this firearm?
A: The stock on this example is period-correct but mismatched, a common occurrence among surviving specimens.

Q: How is the overall condition of this pistol?
A: This particular Star Model A Carbine retains 93–95% of its original finish, with only minor wear and light handling marks. The bore is strong, and the grips remain in excellent shape.

Q: Was the Star Model A Carbine used by any military forces?
A: While not officially adopted by the Spanish military, many were exported to China, where they saw extensive use during the 1930s and beyond.

Q: Why do collectors value this pistol so highly?
A: Its limited production, export history, and distinctive design make it a prized collectible for those interested in pre-WWII European firearms and early semi-automatic development.