$390.00 OBO

This Ballester-Molina was produced in 1945 in Argentina. It is a loose copy of a Colt 1911A1 with some subtle differences. The trigger is a pivot style instead of the usual sliding arrangement and there is a lack of a grip safety on these. 

Production and Dating Details

• Manufacturer: HAFDASA (Hispano-Argentina Fábrica de Automóviles S.A.) located in Buenos Aires.

• Era: Post-WWII contract block. Serial numbers between 23,000 and 108,000 were produced roughly from 1944 to 1953, pacing at an average output of about 10,000 pistols per year.

• Serial Number Locations: Factory serial numbers on a genuine Ballester-Molina are typically stamped in only two places: the left side of the arched mainspring housing and the underside of the slide.

Important Distinction from Rack Numbers

• Military / Police Markings: Argentine service pistols often feature distinct "rack" or issue numbers stamped on the right side of the frame, top of the slide, or barrel hood.

• Do not confuse these secondary unit assignment numbers with the HAFDASA factory serial number located on the mainspring housing.