3599

Rare Savage Military Model 1907 Semi-Automatic Trials Pistol Serial Number 23

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 17,000.00 USD
Rare Savage Military Model 1907 Semi-Automatic Trials Pistol Serial Number 23
This is an example of a rare Savage Military Model 1907 pistol manufactured in 1908. Savage made a total of 288 .45 caliber pistols for competitive tests and troop trials conducted between 1907 and 1911. This pistol, serial number 23, is listed on page 40 in "Colt .45 Service Pistols Models of 1911 and 1911A1" by Charles W. Clawson as being issued to Troop I, 3rd Cavalry at Ft. Wingate, New Mexico, and noted on page 37, number 10 "Pistol No. 23 cannot be disassembled because the cocking lever is not of proper shape.". The troop trials and competitive tests conducted by the Ordnance Department tests ultimately resulted in the selection of the Colt .45 Automatic as the Army service pistol. Savage reconditioned and refinished the trials pistols. Most of the reconditioned pistols were eventually sold to E.K. Tryon of Philadelphia. The pistol has a dull blue finish with bright barrel, casehardened trigger and checkered walnut grips. The top of the barrel rib is marked "CAL. 45", the left side of the barrel next to the rib is marked "SAVAGE ARMS CORP. UTICA, N.Y. U.S.A.", the serial number is marked on the underside, rear of the slide over a pair of "S"s and the left side of the frame has the "SAFE" and "FIRE" markings that were added to pistols from the 3rd Cavalry that were returned to Savage for repair in 1909. The lower magazine spine is stamped with the matching serial number. The pistol has the distinctive ribbed hammer and folding lanyard loop on the heel of the frame. Accompanying the pistol are copies of two articles on the 1907 trial pistols and copies of pages out of Clawson's book reference to "Savage Field Trials". The Savage Military Model 1907 Trials Pistol is a rare and historic military pistol that would be a key addition to any advanced U.S. military handgun collection.
BBL: 5 1/8 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Colt Auto
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 23
Condition: Very good as factory refurbished. The metal surfaces have a smooth dull gray patina with traces of the correct savage dull blue finish in protected areas and most of the blue finish remains on the grip safety. The sides of the trigger show much of the bright case colors. The grips are also good showing a small amount of moderate wear on the right panel, a few minor dings and overall crisp checkering. There is a very small piece of metal that appears to have broken off of a part. It's unknown to writer where it goes because the mechanics are very good. The markings are crisp and clear. A good example of an historic, documented Savage Trial pistol that eventually led to the adoption of the Colt 1911 pistol as the military service weapon.