This series of pistol was produced for the U.S. Army military pistol test trials in 1907. Many of the Savage Model 1907 Test Pistols were rebuilt and sold after testing was completed, with the factory markings removed. This specific pistol is one of the few examples that was NOT rebuilt that retains the original Savage Arms markings on top of the rib. Additionally a considerable number of these pistols have been identified by serial number in the excellent book, "U.S. Military Automatic Pistol 1894-1920", by Meadows. 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, with the majority of the pistols being sold to E.K. Tryon & Company where they were refurbished/remarked and later sold as commercial pistols. As noted this example was not rebuilt that retains its original markings. The top of the barrel rib is marked: "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. Currently it has smooth walnut grip panels with a repair to the rear edge of the right panel. It is complete with an original magazine serial numbered "130" on the back side. Internally the parts are numbered "178" on the magazine release lever, the slide release lever and the underside of the upper cocking piece.