Spanish Anarchist Pistols: the RE and Ascaso

Published on June 7, 2015
Duration: 8:03

This video from Forgotten Weapons delves into two unique Spanish Civil War pistols: the RE (Republica Española) and the Ascaso. Both are based on the Astra 400 and were produced by Republican and Anarchist factions when major arms manufacturing centers fell to Nationalist forces. The RE, made in Valencia, showed higher quality due to experienced workers, while the Ascaso, produced in Catalonia by CNT/FAI, was generally of lower quality. The video highlights the historical context and the specific markings of these rare firearms.

Quick Summary

The RE and Ascaso pistols are Spanish Civil War era firearms, both based on the Astra 400 design. Produced by Republican and Anarchist groups when major arms factories were lost, the RE was made in Valencia with higher quality due to experienced workers, while the Ascaso was manufactured in Catalonia with generally lower quality.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Spanish Civil War Astra Copies
  2. 00:38Historical Context of the Spanish Civil War
  3. 01:40Republican Arms Production
  4. 02:41The RE (Republica Española) Pistol
  5. 04:08The Ascaso Pistol and Francisco Ascaso
  6. 06:44Post-War Industry Consolidation

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the RE and Ascaso pistols used for during the Spanish Civil War?

The RE and Ascaso pistols were produced by Republican and Anarchist groups during the Spanish Civil War as copies of the standard Astra 400 pistol, serving as sidearms for these factions when major arms factories were lost.

Where were the RE and Ascaso pistols manufactured?

The RE pistol was manufactured in Valencia, Spain, in a converted fruit distribution warehouse. The Ascaso pistol was produced in Tarrasa, Catalonia, by anarchist organizations like the CNT/FAI.

What is the historical significance of the RE and Ascaso pistols?

These pistols represent the ingenuity and necessity of Republican and Anarchist factions during the Spanish Civil War, forced to produce their own arms, including copies of the standard Astra 400, due to the loss of established manufacturing centers.

What caliber were the RE and Ascaso pistols chambered in?

Both the RE and Ascaso pistols were chambered in 9mm Largo, a semi-rimmed pistol cartridge developed in Spain and commonly used in pistols like the Astra 400.

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