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Rare Savage Trial Military Model 1907 Semi-Automatic Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:7,000.00 USD Estimated At:14,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
Rare Savage Trial Military Model 1907 Semi-Automatic Pistol
This is an example of a Savage Military Model of 1907 semi-automatic pistol that was manufactured for U.S. Army field testing. Savage manufactured an estimated total of 300 Model 1907 pistols for Army tests and submitted examples in 1908, 1909 and 1910. After field trials and competitive tests determined that the M1907 Savage was unsuitable for military service, the pistols were returned to Savage where some were reconditioned and resold. This pistol, No. 214 is listed as being sold "to an unrecorded recipient on November 3, 1913" on page 261 of "U.S. MILITARY AUTOMATIC PISTOLS" Volume 1 by Ellis and Meadows. The pistol has a military blue finish with a polished barrel, casehardened trigger and grip safety, plated magazine and two-piece, checkered, walnut stocks. The pistol has a grip safety and unique lanyard loop that can be folded into the magazine well. The left side of the frame has "SAFE" and "FIRE" markings next to the safety lever. The sighting rib on the slide is roll-stamped: "MANUFACTURED BY SAVAGE ARMS CO./UTICA N.Y.U.S.A.PAT NOV.211905/CAL.45" in two lines. Most of the Model 1907 Trials Pistols were refinished by Savage and the rib markings were removed; this pistol retains the original military blue finish. The serial number, "214" is visible on the inside of the slide. The eight-round magazine is serial numbered "197". Two illegible numbers are stamped on the upper edge of the left grip. The pistol is complete with a period, open-top holster made of russet leather.
BBL: 5 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: 214


Excellent. The pistol retains 95% of the slightly thin factory blue finish with holster wear on the muzzle and the high points of the trigger guard and frame. The case colors on the grip safety and trigger face have a silver patina. The markings on the slide sighting rib are crisp. The grips are in fine condition with moderate handling wear. The magazine shows moderate wear and is also in very good condition. The holster is in good condition with moderate-heavy handling wear. This is an excellent, documented, example of an important, experimental semi-automatic pistol manufactured in very limited numbers to compete in the U.S. Army trials (against the Model 1907 Colt) that eventually led to the adoption of the Colt M1911 as the Army service pistol.