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LOT 3369
Rare and Desirable Documented U.S. Army Test
Trials Serial Number 15 Colt Model 1907 Military
Semi-Automatic Pistol with Case and Ammo Box -
Serial no. 15, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish,
checkered walnut grips. Manufactured in early 1908,
this is a rare example of a two digit serialized U.S. Army
test trials Colt Model 1907 semi-automatic military
pistol in .45 ACP. According to “U.S. Military Automatic
Pistols 1894-1920” by Scott Meadows, a total of only
205 of these pistols were made, 200 of which were for
field trials and 5 for presentation. Most of the pistols
were delivered to Springfield Armory in March 1908
to be issued for troop test trials with the U.S. Cavalry,
with the balance being for presentation purposes and
many likely not surviving the grueling military trials,
making surviving examples few and far between.
These pistols were serial numbered in their own range
between 1-205. This pistol is listed by its serial number,
15, on page 83 of “U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-
1920” by Meadows, as one of only 66 known surviving
examples of these rare trials pistols. These pistols have
remained an important evolutionary step towards the
iconic Model 1911 and represent the U.S. military’s first foray into pistols chambered in the legendary .45 ACP cartridge. These pistols were equipped with a new spur hammer design,
modified ejection port, externally visible chamber indicator, modified ejector, fixed lanyard loop on the lower left of the grip frame, and new special grip safety with spur. The left side of the
slide is marked with the two-line, two-block patent dates and the Hartford address, and the right side has the standard two-line caliber marking. The serial number is marked on the left side
of the frame, and the inspectors initials “K.M.” (Major Kenneth Morton) are on the upper left front of the trigger guard bow. The grips are checkered walnut with a diamond pattern around
the screws. Includes a modern custom made leather case with fitted felt lined interior, an extra reproduction magazine, L-shaped combination tool, and a reproduction “APR 1906” dated
sealed box marked with Frankford Arsenal markings of the period, and a Turnbull restoration invoice.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored by Turnbull, retains 99% high polish blue and niter blue finishes, and 99% case colors on the hammer. Replacement grips are also very fine
with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rare and significant Colt Model 1907 U.S. Army test trials pistol.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
According to "U.S. Military Automatic
Pistols 1894-1920" by Meadows, only
200 Colt Model 1907 Army Contract
pistols were produced for field trials.