Manufactured in 1916, this is an attractive example of a Savage Model 1907 pistol. The top of the slide has the standard address, patent date, and caliber markings. It has a special order full nickel finish. It is fitted with blade and notch sights and a pair of very rare, "tuxedo" grips which are comprised of a checkered hard rubber grip with the Savage logo at the center and a pearl panel insert above and below it. The consignor notes that as few as 12 sets of these grips are known to have been made. A factory letter for a different pistol is included that provides some insight on these unique grips. In the letter from Roe Clark he states that at one point while sorting through some "scrap and junk" at Savage, he had found some pearl panels shaped like this but had no idea what they were until seeing a pistol fitted with the grips. He goes on to state that he believes the grips to be factory work and probably experimental. A silver plated pistol with the same grips is pictured and described on p. 156 of "Savage Pistols" by Bailey Brower Jr. These grips are further described on p. 194 of the same book where it is stated that these grips were never advertised and no references to them can be found in contemporary Savage articles or factory letters. They are the rarest variation of Savage factory pearl grips. Includes a modern hardwood case. Provenance: The Bailey Brower, Jr. Collection, author of “Savage Pistols”
Very fine, retains 90% of the original nickel finish with a couple small patches of mild pitting on top of the slide, partially obscuring the markings, and otherwise only light handling marks. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with some scattered minor handling/storage marks.
There are currently no customer product questions on this lot