Description
Physical description
Star Z-45 submachine-gun; SMG & magazine (30)
Label
The Z-45 submachine-gun was developed between 1942 and 1945 by the Spanish firm Star-Bonifacio Echeverria. Its design was influenced by that of the German MP40, and it would appear likely that Star originally envisaged selling it to the German Army before the Allied victory put a stop to such a possibility. The Star design shows some improvements over the MP40, notably a clever double-trigger which allows the firer to select single-shot or automatic fire at the moment of firing. An automatic latch on the cocking handle prevents the accidental discharge of the weapon by dropping it or catching the cocking handle on clothing or equipment. A perforated barrel jacket protects the firer's hands from a potentially hot barrel.
The Z-45, chambered for the 9mm Largo cartridge, was taken into service by the Spanish Police and security forces. Meanwhile a 9mm Parabellum version was exported. This example is an export version, manufactured in 1960.
History note
The Star Z45 submachine-gun was produced by Star Bonifacio Echeverria SA, of Eibar in Spain. It originated from an attempt to improve on the German MP40 (see FIR 6047) and retains many of the features of that weapon. Its most notable improvements on the MP40 were the use of perforated barrel jacket, to protect the firer's hands, and a patented cocking-handle, which automatically locked the bolt in the forward position when not in use. It also has a dual-action trigger, which delivers automatic fire or single shots, depending on which part of it is pressed.
The Z45 (chambered for the 9mm Largo cartridge) was adopted during the late 1940s by the Spanish Army, Civil Guard and Police. This example, made in 1960, is an export variant, chambered for 9mm Parabellum. The Z45 was exported to Portugal, Cuba and a number of African and Latin American countries. This example is possibly ex-Egyptian issue, as a lot of Egyptian items were being sold from Weller & Dufty at the time of purchase.
Stamped on left of receiver
STAR & starburst trademark & CAL.9mm MOD. Z-45
Stamped on left of magazine housing
Spanish commercial (1960) proofs
Stamped on left of magazine housing
Z-28432