POTD: Helping a Friend in Need – French Contract Savage 1907
Sam.S 02.15.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The French contract Savage 1907 pistol was a military variant of the popular Savage Model 1907 semi-automatic pistol. Though designed for civilians, over 40,000 Model 1907 pistols in .32 ACP were purchased by France during World War I between 1914-1917 to equip soldiers in combat. These French contract Savage 1907 pistols can be identified by the addition of a lanyard ring on the grip, along with a loaded chamber indicator. The French military found the fast-firing, compact Savage 1907 well-suited for trench warfare, buying more of the pistols than any other WWI contract. A small number were also acquired by Portugal and fitted with custom grips. Though made for civilians, the durable and accurate Savage 1907 proved itself in military service thanks to French and Portuguese contracts during World War I. This battlefield adoption of the Savage 1907 demonstrated its capabilities and reliability, even if the pistol’s ultimate success would remain in the commercial market.
“As documented in “Savage Pistols” by Bailey Brower, Jr., page 132. Manufactured in 1915-1916. This is one of only approximately 50 (serial numbered 0001-A through 0050-A) experimental/prototype pistols manufactured with a lanyard ring on the butt to secure a French military contract, these 50 pistols are discussed on p. 133. The letter “M” is marked on the breechblock. Provenance: The Bailey Brower, Jr. Collection, author of “Savage Pistols””
Lot 751: French Contract Savage Model 1907 Prototype Pistol. (n.d.-a). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved February 13, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1044/751/french-contract-savage-model-1907-prototype-pistol.
