"Ballester-Molina" Cal .45

[seebee1]

An Argentinian .45 in good shape, although deactivated. I would like to know if possible the year in which it was made and if it is Civilian or Military. Many thanks, Clive.

[seebee1]

Image 2

[seebee1]

Image 3

[seebee1]

Image 4 - Final

[herd118]

"Ballester-Molinas were also exported to Bolivia, Columbia, Peru, Venezuela, Uruguay and probably other countries. it is estimated that some 10,000 or more Ballester-Molinas were sold to the British during World War II. The two examples I have seen both had serial numbers that begin with a "B". Also, the different issue/property numbers began with a "B". They also had the usual markings on the left side of the slide but no markings on the right side of the slide. These "B"-marked pistols were used in clandestine operations in North Africa."

From:
http://www.hafdasa.com/ballester-mol...stery_45.shtml

[Johnny Peppers]

According to the report of a British inspecting officer, the number of Ballester-Molina pistols purchased from Argentina was 8000. Not being standard British caliber many were air dropped to partisan forces in Europe, most going into France.

[kanister]

Many Ballester-Molina went also to Italian Partisans: there is a picture of a well know leader with one of these that received from a Canadian SAS captain.

[seebee1]

Many thanks for the comments and the excellent link. It seems my example was manufactured between 1938 and 1942. There are a couple of stampings on the slide which I believe could be British Government acceptance marks, one though is a proof-house I believe. Good to know some were used by Clandestine Forces Regards, Clive.

[seebee1]

Image 6 - British Government Stamping?

[Alan Smith]

Clive,

What is the known history of your pistol?

Alan

[seebee1]

No known history I am sorry to say Alan, though was bought in England, not from a dealer, some years ago. Regards, Clive.

[Johnny Peppers]

Image 6 - British Government Stamping?

What are the stampings on the barrel? The markings shown appear to be British commercial proofs. They are a intertwined GP under a crown.

[herd118]

The crown GP mark is a London nitro proof. The crossed swords (or scepters) mark with DA 90 is the Birmingham proof for deactivated arms, this example done in 1990.

[Johnny Peppers]

The London proof would have been applied 1955 or later.

[seebee1]

Correct about the date of deactivation, this was carried out 5th September 1990. Whilst checking again for any other marks or stamps I found one I had missed on the lower part of the grip frame. I would like to know what this signifies, I doubt the Pistol has two Serial Numbers, but do not know what this means. Thoughts appreciated. Regards, Clive.