This is a fine restored example of a scarce U.S. Military test trial "Test" pistol that was manufactured circa 1907-1911 for the 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, which did not have enough stopping power. Subsequently, in early 1904, John Browning developed a substantially larger and improved cartridge, the 45 ACP. In January 1906, BG Crozier, Chief of Ordnance, issued a letter of invitation to the gun manufacturing industry to develop and submit a new semi-automatic handgun utilizing the 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. The Savage Model 1907 test pistols were issued to the 3rd, 6th and 11th Cavalry units for field tests, with comparable tests being conducted by the regular Army as well, between 1907 and 1911. Ultimately this competition resulted in the contract award to Colt for the Model 1907 pistol. 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 examples being refinished and remarked, as in this case, which is marked with: "SAVAGE ARMS CORP. /UTICA N.Y. U.S.A." on the left side of the slide, but still retains the "CAL .45" markings on top of the rib. This example still retains the original thin/narrow grip safety that is not integral to the rear of the frame and it has the improved Model 1909 markings of "FIRE" and "SAFE" at the rear of the frame, along with the wider checkered walnut grip panels. It is complete with one all blued magazine that is serial numbered "53" on the rear of magazine, with "129" on the magazine release lever, "111" on the back of the left grip panel, and "134" on the underside of the upper cocking piece.

Very fine as professionally refurbished with 99% bright high polish blue finish overall. The recheckered grips are fine with nice checkering on both sides and some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A very nice representative example of a scarce Model 1907 Savage Arms Co. U.S. Army test pistol.