This is a beautiful example of an extremely rare, all original U.S. Model 1907 Semi-automatic pistol, that was submitted by the Colt Firearms company for the U.S. Army "Test Trials" in 1907. This pistol is one of only 205 actual pistols manufactured under the Army Contract of 1907 for field trials. This pistol, serial number 91, was shipped from Colt to the Springfield Armory on March 17, 1908 and was one of the 64 pistols issued to Troop H, 2nd Cavalry Regiment at Fort Des Moines, Iowa for actual evaluation. Due to numerous design and or manufacturing deficiencies found during the initial test firing of the field trials, in June 1909, Colt submitted a letter to the Chief or Ordnance, requesting to withdraw all of their test samples, agreeing to modify them to correct/improve the initial deficiencies and then returning them to the Army for further evaluations. As noted on page 35, in Clawson's book, the "Colt 45 Service Pistol", this specific example, serial number "91" was one of those withdrawn, modified and reissued for further testing by the 2nd Calvary Regiment, at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. These 1907 "Test Trials" pistols are extremely rare and very important pistol for both the Colt and U.S. Martial pistol collector from two aspects; one, this was the first U.S. Army contract pistol that was chambered in the excellent and ever popular 45 ACP cartridge. Although replaced in 1985 by the 9mm round for the new US service pistol, this cartridge is still being used by the U.S. military Special Operations Command in several pistols employed today. Two, this pivotal 1907 design and the subsequent modifications lead directly to the development of the all time favorite U.S. Army Model 1911/1911A1 pistol that was in service for over 74 years. This is certainly an extremely important link in any U.S. martial arms pistol collection. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in two lines, and the left side is marked "PATENTED/APR. 20, 1897. SEPT.9.1902. DEC.19.1905." in two lines followed by "COLT'S PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO./HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A.". The serial number "91" is located on the left side of the frame above the trigger guard bow, which has the initials of Ordnance inspector "K.M." (Major Kenneth Morton). Coupled with the rarity of this pistol is the fact that it is accompanied by probably the rarest U.S. Military holster, an original Model 1908 "US" marked test holster. Obviously there were approximately only 205 of these holster ever made, one for each pistol. However as we all know, leather products are very fragile, especially those used for early U.S. Army tests. They saw heavy initial use, and then were subjected to more use over the next 50-60 years. This example is in near excellent condition with clear markings on the front flap, that is also stamped with what looks like; "K 15, CAVY/No 50", with the back marked "ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL/1908/H.E.K.". Also accompany this lot is an original 45 ACP test cartridge that would have been issued with these pistols. The cartridge has the cupro-nickel plated bullet and the case is marked, "FA/4/06", indicating manufacture at Frankfurt Arsenal the U.S. military ammunition manufacturing arsenal, along with a Silver Medal number 324 awarded by the NRA as one of the ten best arms exhibited.

Excellent, with 85% plus of the original Colt high luster blue finish remaining overall with minor wear and finish loss on the high spots, with most of the actual finish loss on the front grip strap, (which is exactly where you would expect to see it on a US test pistol). The walnut grips are excellent with nice original checkering on both sides with only some very minor handling marks. Even the grip screws are in excellent condition with sharp slots with 98% of their original nitre fire-blued finish. The holster is in fine condition with nice sharp markings on the face and back belt loop, while the regiment markings on the flap are only partially visible, which I think was due to them being stamped right on the curve of the flap. The color is dark overall with minor surface scratches and marks with nice tight stitching overall, with a brass lanyard loop in the drain hole in the toe plug. An exceptional example of a rare Colt Model 1907 U.S. Test Trials pistol with original holster and accessories.