Manufactured in 1911. All Savage factory engraved pistols are rare. Those also inscribed to famed American Wild West showmen are incredibly rare. Per Stern’s "10 Shots Quick: The Fascinating Story of the Savage Pocket Automatics," Wild West showman Buffalo Bill ordered five Savage pistols engraved with the names of some of his friends (pages 82-83). RIAC had the pleasure of selling a pistol inscribed to Buffalo Bill (no. 33177) in September 2021. Now, we have a Savage pistol inscribed to another famed Wild West showman: Gordon William “Pawnee Bill” Lillie (1860-1942). While this pistol is not among the five listed by Stern as ordered by Buffalo Bill, it stands as a historic piece of Savage and Wild West memorabilia. Lillie worked as an interpreter on the Pawnee Indian Agency which earned him the nickname “Pawnee Bill.” In 1883, he became an interpreter and performer in "Buffalo Bill’s Wild West." In 1888, he and his wife, May, started "Pawnee Bill’s Historic Wild West" which became "Pawnee Bill’s Historical Wild West, Indian Museum and Encampment" and later "Pawnee Bill’s Wild West and Great Far East Show.” In 1908, Pawnee Bill joined Buffalo Bill to create the "Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Pawnee Bill's Great Far East," often called the "Two Bills Show." The pistol features Savage A or Protector Grade factory engraving. The modest coverage clearly exhibits the English style scrollwork of Savage’s Master Engraver Enoch Tue. This style of engraving was the most basic type of Savage’s pistol engraving patterns and was commonly offered at an additional charge of $12.50 above the $15 price for a non-engraved pistol. The gun is personalized with the inscription “MAJOR G.W. LILLIE” on the left side of the frame just above the grip panel. The accompanying factory letter confirms the factory A engraving and "name engraved on left side of frame" when it was sold to Major G.W. Lillie, accepted on October 28, 1911, and shipped on November 2, 1911. Savage used celebrity endorsements in its advertising for the Model 1907. The endorsements came from Buffalo Bill, William ”Bat” Masterson, detective William Pinkerton, and detective W.J. Burns who “prefer[ed] the Savage Automatic for its speed and accuracy.” “The unanimous choice of these men may be safely backed against the world,” proclaimed the Savage booklet “It Banishes Fear!” This was after all “the greatest weapon ever invented for the protection of the home.” Use of celebrity endorsements ramped up in 1911. Savage often provided the endorser with a free gun(s) and/or payment. Perhaps this pistol was presented by Savage to Pawnee Bill in an attempt to win over his endorsement. The engraving on Buffalo Bill's pistol presented to him by Savage in 1911 is very similar to the engraving on this Model 1907.

Exceptionally fine, retaining 80% bright original blue finish with the balance thinning to brown. The engraving is crisp. The grips are excellent with a few minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This factory engraved Savage Model 1907 is a great piece of Savage and Wild West heritage.