US 1905/1906 experimental saber by Ames Sword Company in Massachusetts. A total of 1316 of the sabers were produced for testing between Ames and the Springfield Armory, and were widely distributed for testing between 5 cavalry regiments, 6 infantry regiments, 3 artillery regiments, and a few in the Engineer, Signal Corps and Staff units. Testing began about August of 1906 and continued until November of 1908, and further testing of sabers incorporating modifications recommended during the trials was authorized by the Acting Secretary of War in August 1909. Though several prototypes with various of the recommended changes were produced, the program died out in early 1910.
The M-1905/06 scabbard is made of wood, covered in collar leather for enlisted and pigskin for officers, and was manufactured at the Rock Island Arsenal. There are three lengths to accommodate the blade lengths. Nickel-plated steel scabbards have also been noted. They are rare and assumed to have been produced at the Springfield Armory.
