Star grips

Star Bonifacio Echeverria, S.A. was a renowned Spanish small-arms manufacturer based in Eibar, Basque Country—a historic hub of Spanish gunmaking known for quality "Spanish Steel."

The company's roots trace to the 19th century with gunsmith José Cruz Echeverría, who crafted muzzle-loaders. In 1905, his sons Julián and Bonifacio Echeverría founded a small workshop in Eibar, initially producing a patented hammerless semi-auto pistol inspired by the Mannlicher Model 1900 in 6.35mm (.25 ACP)—an unlicensed clone enabled by Spanish patent laws allowing foreign designs not made locally

Key milestone: Around 1908–1910, Julián departed; Bonifacio expanded, releasing improved models like the Model 1914 (.32 ACP). During WWI, Star supplied "Star-type" pistols to France as part of Eibar's massive Ruby contracts

In 1919, Bonifacio formally registered the "Star" trademark (evoking quality like "Steyr"), marking all future firearms. The company survived the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), producing for both sides despite damage and lost records—one of few firms allowed to continue post-war

Star gained fame with locked-breech designs: Model B series (1930s onward, 9mm Largo/Parabellum, 1911-inspired), S-series pocket pistols (1940s–1980s, used by Luftwaffe/Spanish forces), submachine guns (Z-45, Z-84 adopted by Spanish Army), and later BM (1972–1992, compact 9mm police/military favorite), PD (.45 ACP), and Firestar modern compacts

Pioneering investment casting and CNC, Star exported globally, peaking at 411 employees (1975). Economic downturns, mismanagement, and Asian competition led to bankruptcy filing in 1993; doors closed May 27, 1997

Star's legacy endures among collectors for durable, innovative pistols—epitomizing Eibar's craftsmanship from 1905 to 1997