In the early 1900s, multiple American arms manufacturing companies, including Winchester and Savage, were exploring the idea of manufacturing a single shot bolt action pistol in the increasingly popular .22 cartridges of the time. Winchester produced multiple prototypes based on the actions of their popular .22 bolt action models, many of which have recently been offered here at Rock Island Auction Company. Around the same time, in an effort to not fall behind one of their biggest competitors, Savage also started to develop some prototype single shot .22 pistols, with this example being one of them. Neither Winchester or Savage ever pushed these prototypes to full production, making these developmental pistols incredibly scarce. This very interesting example is pictured and described on p. 180 of "Savage Pistols" by Bailey Brower, Jr. It is a very clear attempt by the Savage factory to combine two of their existing models, a Model 1905 rifle and a Model 1907 pistol. The frame is very clearly that of a Savage Model 1907 pistol with the magazine components modified to accept the receiver of a Model 1905 rifle and "pencil" profiled barrel. It is fitted with blade and notch sights and a standard Model 1907 checkered hard rubber grip on the right, while the left grip is absent, likely to allow viewing of the internal trigger mechanism. Also included is a letter from Bailey Brower, Jr. where he states that the pistol was acquired from Michael Carney, a well-known gun dealer in the Syracuse/Utica area of New York. He states that Carney had access to the Savage Research & Development storeroom, from which he purchased many rare Savage firearms. Carney and Savage historian Roe Clark estimated that Savage likely only produced three or four of these rare prototypes before abandoning their efforts to push such a pistol to full production. Provenance: The Bailey Brower, Jr. Collection, author of “Savage Pistols”

Fine as a factory prototype, showing mostly a bright grey patina overall with some traces of the original blue finish which was likely removed at the factory during development, and some scattered small patches of the light pitting. The one grip panel present is excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Decocks upon closing the bolt, otherwise mechanically excellent.