This is an excellent example of the scarce experimental saber issued on a trial basis starting in 1905 and 1906. The sword is complete with its original scabbard, which bears unit and rack numbers indicating it was likely in the hands of a soldier in Troop H of the 13^th U.S. Cavalry, which served in the Philippines and along the Mexican Border during the sword’s period of use.

The Ordnance Department wanted a saber that was better adapted for the thrust than the cut. This has the regulation slightly curved blade, with long grip, pistol pommel, and solid guard. The metal pommel and guard are excellent, with no dents or bends and have full coverage of their original blue turned plum. The grip retains its full coverage of gray sharkskin and its triple-wire binding. The blade is bright, with excellent edge and point. The ricasso is crisply stamped on US on the reverse and "A.S.Co. / [Ordnance Bomb] / 1906" at obverse.

The scabbard is fully regulation as well: iron, covered with a deep brown russet leather and fitted with two carrying rings. The leather has a very good surface and color with a good seam. There are just a couple of wear spots to the finish at and near the drag, and little on the raised points where it covers the sling-ring bands. The leather has not been treated with any dressing or preservative.

The number “2” is stamped horizontally in the brown leather scabbard just below the throat. Between the two rings is stamped lengthwise a larger “H 13” and a smaller “6” and a “1.” These are certainly unit rack numbers, the large “H 13” likely indicating issue in Troop H of the 13^th U.S. Cavalry. This regiment was formed in 1901 and served in the Philippines from 1903-1905. During this sword’s period of use they were posted there again from 1909-1910, and from 1911 to 1916 they were deployed along the Mexican Border, involved in fighting bandits and displaced revolutionaries such as Pascual Orozco and Pancho Villa. They also later took part in the 1916 Punitive Expedition.

This would be hard to beat for condition and has clear signs of unit issue as well.   [sr]

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