More weird and unusual . . . . .

[ZoidMeister]

While I am on a weird, unique, and just plain strange roll, here is another red-headed stepchild to the 1911 . . . .

Another, "Not one you'll see every day . . . . "

The Ballester-Molina .45 ACP

These pistols have a long and storied collection of legends around them.  Some claim they were made from recycled metal from the German battleship, the Admiral Graf Spee, that was sunk off Argentina's coast.  Some think they are 1911 clones (NOT even close, the resemblance is only skin deep).  I won't retype all the folklore around these which includes members of the British secret service, but Google Ballester-Molina to discover some interesting reading.  Here are a couple links for your entertainment and edjamacation . . . .

https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2014/1/30/investigation-of-a-legend-the-graf-spee-and-the-ballester-molina/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballester–Molina

Enjoy . . . .

Made around 1949 the best I can figure from my research.  The markings indicate it was produced for the Argentinian Coast Guard.

All matching numbers.  The only thing it shares in common with a 1911 is the barrel.

 

 

Edited March 2, 2017 by ZoidMeister