This Savage Arms Corporation Model 1907 Semi-Automatic "U.S. Army Test" pistol that has the matching numbered magazine. This series of pistol was produced for the U.S. Army military pistol test trials circa 1907-1911. In total less than 300 Savage .45 caliber semi-automatic pistols were manufactured between 1907 and 1911, and it is this describer's opinion that this specific pistol was one of the those held back in reserve and was not issued to any specific unit for testing. Based on the poor performance of the Colt Model 1894 38 caliber revolver during the Philippine Insurrection, the U.S. Military sought to increase the power of military sidearms. In January 1906, Brigadier General Crozier (Chief of Ordnance) issued a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to the gun manufacturing industry to develop and submit new candidate semi-automatic handguns utilizing this new powerful .45 ACP cartridge. Eighteen companies initially responded; however, only eight actually submitted a test sample pistol; with Savage Arms Company and Colt Firearms being two of the companies. The U.S. Army handgun contract was awarded to Colt for the Model 1907 pistol. After completion of the testing, the pistols were returned to the Savage Arms Corp. and were refurbished and later sold in private sales to members of the military, and the majority of the pistols were sold to E.K. Tryon & Company where they were refurbished/remarked and later sold as commercial pistols. This example is one of the very few that retained its original markings. The top of the barrel rib retains its factory markings of: "MANUFACTURED BY SAVAGE ARMS CO. /UTICA N.Y. U.S.A.PAT.NOV.21.1905." followed by "CAL .45". It retains the 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 checkered walnut grip panels. It is complete with a matching all blued magazine. Internally the parts are numbered "174" on the magazine release lever, the slide release lever and the underside of the upper cocking piece. The replacement slide is numbered "220", which is quite possible the error of a careless factory assembler.

Very fine with 95% of the savage refurbished blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear with some general thinning on the grip straps and grip safety. The trigger retains 50% of its subdued case colors. The barrel still in the factory polished in the white condition. The grips are in very good condition overall with nice distinct checkering on both sides, the back edge of the right grip panel has broken off (however this could be easily professionally repaired), and there is an old age crack just starting on the back side. This is a desirable example of a U.S. Army Savage Arms Model 1907 test pistol.