The Colt Model 1907 is one of the rarest and most historically significant prototypes in the development of the iconic Colt M1911. Though it was never mass-produced for general use, the 1907 was a crucial experimental model that incorporated new safety features and design elements demanded by the U.S. Army — making it the direct predecessor to the M1911.

Here’s a detailed history of the Colt Model 1907:

🔫 Overview

• Name: Colt Model 1907 Automatic Pistol
• Designer: John Moses Browning
• Manufacturer: Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Short recoil, tilting barrel
• Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
• Total Produced: 207 pistols
• Production Period: 1907–1908 (primarily for military trials)

📜 Historical Context

After dissatisfaction with the stopping power of the .38 Long Colt during the Philippine-American War, the U.S. military sought a new standard sidearm. The .45 caliber was strongly preferred, and John Browning had already developed the .45 ACP cartridge alongside his semi-auto Colt Model 1905.

🔧 Design Features

The Model 1907 was essentially a modified Colt 1905, but with several critical improvements:

🔐 1. Grip Safety

• Added to prevent the gun from firing unless the shooter was properly gripping the pistol.
• One of the first Browning pistols to use this feature, which became a hallmark of the M1911.

2. Spur Hammer

• A spur hammer was added.

3. Modified Ejection

• Modified ejection port and ejector to facilitate vertical ejection.

🪖 4. Lanyard Ring

• Lanyard ring added — a feature requested by mounted troops who feared losing their weapons.

🔫 5. Chamber Loaded Indicator

• A loaded chamber indicator was added.

🧪 Field Testing & Trials

📅 Initial Order:

• In December 1907, the Army ordered 200 Colt Model 1907 pistols for extended troop trials.
• Serial numbers: No. 1–207.
• The pistols were delivered to Springfield Armory on March 17, 1908l

📝 Results:

While the 1907 was seen as a major improvement over the 1905, but the military still found issues:

• No manual thumb safety — still seen as necessary for cavalry and safe carry
• Assembly/disassembly was complicated.
• Functionality/reliability issues

Nonetheless, the Model 1907 proved the concept of a large-caliber semi-auto sidearm for the U.S. Army.

🔄 Influence on the M1911

The 1907 was the transitional prototype that inspired:

• The Model 1909 and Model 1910.
• The Colt Model 1911: Adopted officially by the Army in March 1911

Key features from the Model 1907 that made it into the final M1911:

• Grip safety
• .45 ACP chambering
• Detachable single-stack magazine

📦 Rarity & Collectibility

The Colt Model 1907 is extremely rare, and surviving examples are prized by collectors:

• Most were government-issued, and many saw hard field use.
• Military inspection markings such as “J.T.T.” (John T. Thompson) are common.