Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Savage Model 1907 made a huge splash when it debuted with its game-changing “Ten Shots Quick!” double-stack magazine. This revolutionary staggered-column design allowed the compact .32 ACP to hold an unheard-of 10 rounds, giving the 1907 almost double the firepower of other pocket pistols. Savage’s innovation launched the high-capacity magazine era over half a century before other US companies caught up. Not until the 1970s S&W Model 59 would another American commercial pistol pack so much ammo in such a small package. Weighing just 19 ounces, the 1907 delivered portable, concealable stopping power perfect for self-defense. Its advanced striker-fired operation and safety lever made it safe and simple to use. Though designed for civilians, over 40,000 found their way into French military hands in WWI. Priced reasonably at $15, the 1907’s combination of groundbreaking engineering, ergonomics, accuracy, and reliability made it one of the most influential semi-auto pistol designs ever. This little gun left a giant footprint on firearms history.
“Manufactured in 1911, this is an outstanding example of an early production, factory engraved, Savage Model 1907 pistol. This pistol is consecutively serialized to the previous lot, which is noted on p. 161 in “Savage Pistols” by Bailey Brower Jr. as being listed in the factory ledgers along with an order of special guns for William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. One of the previously mentioned pistols is presentation inscribed to brigadier general Marion P. Maus, who was famous for his role in the pursuit of the Apache chief, Geronimo. Apart from the inscription, that pistol shows very similar A/”Protector” Grade engraving. This specific pistol is pictured and described on p. 209 of the previously mentioned book, where it is used as an example of the A Grade engraving, which the author believes was executed by Savage factory engraver, Enoch Tue. The engraving features flourishes of light and elegant English style floral scroll, shallow triangle patterns on each side above the cocking serrations, and a geometric design on the back strap. It is fitted with standard blade and notch sights as well as an early “Type A” smooth pearl grips with “SA” monogrammed medallions. “
Lot 3506: Factory Engraved Savage Model 1907 Semi-Automatic Pistol – Outstanding Documented Factory Engraved Savage Model 1907 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Desirable Pearl Grips as Pictured in “Savage Pistols” by Bailey Brower Jr. (n.d.-c). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved November 16, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/87/3506/factory-engraved-savage-model-1907-semi-automatic-pistol.
