This is a rare and unique US Military "Test" pistol that was originally manufactured for the 1907-1911, U.S. Military Test Trials. During the Philippine Insurrection, the US Army had been equipped with the Colt Model 1894 Revolver that fired the anemic Colt 38 revolver cartridge. Subsequent to that, in early 1904 John Browning was developing a substantially larger and improved cartridge, that he wanted to market to the U.S. Military, which resulted into the 45 ACP cartridge. In January 1906 BG Crozier, (Chief of Ordnance) issued a letter of invitation to the gun manufacturing industry to develop and submit a new semiautomatic handgun based on utilizing this new 45 ACP cartridge. Eighteen companies initially responded but only eight actually submitted a test sample pistol, with Savage and Colt being two of the companies. Ultimately this competition resulted in the contract award to Colt for the Model 1907 pistol. The Savage Model 1907 test pistols were issued to the 3rd, 6th and 11th Cavalry units for field tests, with specific pistol being issued to Troop I 3rd Calvary, Fort Wingate NM., as listed on page 261, of the book "U.S, Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920", by Scott Meadows. In total only 288 Savage .45 caliber automatic pistols were manufactured between 1907 and 1911. At the completion of the 1911 competition all the pistols were sold to Tryon & Company with most all examples being refinish and remarked. This specific pistol is one of those specific examples, as the original factory markings on top of the barrel rib (except for the CAL 45 markings), has been removed, with the left side of the barrel remarked "SAVAGE ARMS CORP. UTICA N.Y. U.S.A.". However this example still retains the original thin/narrow grip safety that is not integral with the rear of the frame; it has the Model 1909 improved marking designs of "FIRE" and "SAFE" at the rear of the frame and the wider checkered walnut grip panels. It is complete with one original blued magazine that has the nickel plated follower and blued floor plate, numbered "110" on the back side.

Very good overall with 25% of the factory refurbished dull matte blue finish still remaining mostly in the protected areas overall. The grips are also good showing a dark brown color overall on both sides with visible checkering. The pistol does show some extensive patches/areas of deep pin-prick type pitting on the side of the frame and barrel. Still a very rare and highly desirable early semi-automatic test pistol.