Manufactured in 1911, this pair of extraordinary, factory engraved, Savage Model 1907 pistols were originally special ordered by renowned Kentucky gun collector, colonel P.J. Noel. Knowledgeable collectors have considered this set the finest known pair of Savage handguns. This pair, along with another almost identical pair are both documented as being part of his collection, and both of these sets are pictured and described on p. 157-161 of "Savage Pistols" by Bailey Brower Jr. The book discusses Noel's connection with Savage, and that besides these two sets, he ordered other high end arms from the company, including a Monarch Grade Model 1899 rifle. Noel apparently kept excellent records of his correspondence with Savage, which Brower states eventually soured due to Noel being an extremely particular customer. Philip J. Noel was born in Kentucky in 1874, where his family owned a racehorse farm. After a brief stint as a school teacher he joined the army, where he took part in various minor battles during the Spanish-American War. He later got involved in insurance, eventually becoming a manager at a company in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which appears to be when he began to amass his collection of arms, which some newspapers at the time claimed was "the largest, finest, and most expensive collection of firearms in the United States". It is noted in the book that Savage provided Noel with two holster rigs with the two sets of pistols, and that the two gold pistols were carried by him during a trip to Panama. In 1919 Noel unsuccessfully ran for governor, and in 1924 was made a colonel by the lieutenant governor. Both of the pistols in this lot include factory letters stating they were manufactured in 1911, both listing that they were "special grade", with the letter for the "A" gun also noted the gold plating. Both pistols are listed in their corresponding letters as having shipped on 21 April 1911 to P.J. Noel. The pistols themselves both feature "C" or "Special" grade engraving, which was the highest level of factory engraving that Savage had to offer. The patterns on the two pistols are almost identical and feature about 75% coverage fine English style floral scroll. Both of the pistols are fitted with Type A smooth pearl grips with the "SA" monogram medallions, with the medallions gold plated on the gold pistol and silver plated on the blue pistol. Apart from all of the special order embellishment, both pistols have the standard two-line address, patent date, and caliber marking on top of the slides, and are fitted with standard blade and notch sights. Included with the set is a leatherette wrapped hard case with claret velvet lining that is fitted for both pistols as well as the two included extra magazines, one of which is blued and one gold plated, corresponding with the pistols. Also included is an N.R.A. silver medal awarded to one of the ten best arms exhibited at the N.R.A. annual meetings. The consignor indicates that the medal was won for the two gold pistols previously mentioned being paired together. Provenance: The Bailey Brower, Jr. Collection, author of “Savage Pistols”

Excellent, retains 97% plus of the untouched original gold plating with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, most noticeably at the muzzle. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some mild handling/storage wear. The extra magazines are both excellent.

See "A". Provenance: The Bailey Brower, Jr. Collection, author of “Savage Pistols”

Excellent, retains 97% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish and 95% vibrant case colors on the trigger with some light edge/muzzle wear, minimal handling evidence, and crisp engraving. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An extraordinary and desirable set of Savage Model 1907 pistols that you don't want to miss!