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LOT 1298
Rare and Desirable U.S. Army Test Trials Colt Model 1907 Military Semi-
Automatic Pistol, Serial Number “49”, Documented as Issued to the
10th Cavalry in the Philippines, with U.S. Rock Island Holster and
Belt Rig - Serial no. 41, 45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. As recorded in the book “U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920”
by Meadows on page 83, this handgun was part of a group of Colt Model
1907 pistols (serial range 1-65) issued to Troop K of the 10th Cavalry, stationed
at Fort McKinley in the Philippines, as well as being one of the 66 recorded
survivors of the trials. While the 1907 incorporated a number of incremental
improvements over other Colt offerings, results of the trials were mixed, with
Troop K noting issues with the sears and mechanism. Among their notes were complaints about how the grip safety requires careful hand
placement and that the pistol required two hands for many phases of operation; the Model 1911 would address these concerns, among others, by
making the grip safety longer and wider, and integrating a manual safety allowing for the pistol to be kept “cocked and locked” in the holster. Fixed
sights, with the two-line, two-block address and patent dates on the left side of the slide and one-block caliber marking on the right, with the long
extractor on the right side and loaded chamber indicator on the left. The frame is numbered “41” over the inspector mark “K.M.”, with a knurled slide
stop, spur hammer and grip safety, a pair of checkered hardwood grips (the left panel properly shortened to accommodate the lanyard staple), and
a full blue magazine hand-marked “R.L.B.” on the floorplate. The underside of the trigger has a set of faint white enamel markings, likely a collector ID or
inventory control number. Included with the pistol is a scarce belt rig, all brown leather construction with brass hardware, consisting of a “R.I.A./1908./T.C.C” marked belt, “ROCK
ISLAND/ARSENAL/1908.H.E.K” marked left handed crossdraw holster with “4/H/20” on the flap, saber hanger with “R.I.A./1909.” and “T.C.C” on the front strap, and cartridge box with
“ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL/1909/H.E.K.” on the back and “16/23 RD” on the front of the box under the flap. The holster in particular is a rare accoutrement, with only about 209 made
per page 484 of Meadows’ book.
CONDITION: Very good overall, with 30% of the original blue finish preserved in the protected areas around the top of the frame, a mixed gray and brown patina on the remainder,
minor spotting, light handling marks, and some scratches and dings. 60% original niter blue is present on the trigger and grip safety. Grips are also very good, with some scuffs and
flat spots. Internally, the magazine shows heavy cartridge battering at both the front and rear, the chamber indicator and firing pin both out of order, and cracking through both
frame rails at the corner just behind the front toggle assembly; mechanically needs work, otherwise cycles. The holster rig is fine, with mild cracking and scuffing overall, verdigris
buildup, and light scratches. A critical developmental step in the history of both America’s military and John M. Browning’s personal body of work (and by extension the forefather of
multiple generations of military and commercial automatic pistols), this field tested Colt 1907 pistol merits a place of honor in an advanced collection.
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.
Serial
Number 41
273