Made from 1946 to the end of classic-model production in 1983, model Bs with Super upgrades were produced. This basic model B remained in production continuously until 1983. Many variations of finish, stocks and sights were produced. The image at the top of the page is a typical european commercial model with wood stocks and blue finish. Large numbers of these guns were produced. Numerous small changes were implemented across the design, from a shortening of the barrel bushing, to elimination of the separate safety guide bar.
The frame was changed to provide an arched backstrap and a larger safety as well as more rugged and higher-visibility sights were fitted. In 1931, production shifted entirely to this updated version which added several, mostly external,features to make the pistol look and handle more like the Colt 1911A1. Identification must be based on features and caliber alone.
This example also bears no clear marks as to its model designation while the serial number is in the subsequently conventional location on the butt, it is not accompanied by other marks. Without more to compare to, and lacking any special marks on this gun, its hard to determine if this is typical of all of them or if it is indeed an issue piece for a non-domestic customer. The one example I have seen of this gun has a simple rear sight, much like the model 1922.
Only a few seem to have been made, apparently mostly or entirely for export sales. This first Model B has a smaller safety lever than later guns, a T-shaped extractor, a large lanyard ring on the left side, a flat backstrap and numerous detail differences from the later, more refined guns. The model ceased production in 1931, when it was replaced with the Second Model B, below. The Model B was developed and marketed synchronously with the Largo versions, with production commencing in 1924.
These are transitional guns, with broadly the control layout of the Colt/Browing guns (epitomized by the 1911), but based on the overall layout of the previous series of Star pistols. The first Model B is fundamentally the 9 mm Luger/Parabellum version of a similar 1922 and first and secondModel A pistols. The models A, B, P and M had roughly comparable upates over the years. The model B pistol is the 9 mm Parabellum/Luger variant of the A/B series of 1911-inspired pistols that led Star design for the next 60 years.