She Wore a Yellow Ribbon: The Cavalry in the West
A Temporary Exhibit April 12-August 17, 2008

The Cavalry in the New Century 1902-1910

The New Century 1902-1910
General explanatory text for this case A new Century with new ideas and new equipment. By 1902 the Army returned to the blue dress uniform with yellow trim for cavalry. Experiments with improved arms resulted in adoption of a new rifle, the Model 1903 Springfield for both cavalry and infantry use, instead of a separate shorter carbine for the cavalry. Recognizing that the sabre was largely a ceremonial arm by now, the Army adopted a lightweight dress sabre for all officers. Leather goods were all a russet brown color, and woven khaki items began to replace leather for belts and equipment. Context for the period Having acquired temporary control of overseas colonies in Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines, the United States was now a world power, and began to take military preparedness more seriously. Tensions began to rise as various colonies rebelled against foreign masters around the globe, and rivalries in Europe began to rise to set the stage which led to World War I.
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UNIFORMS

Sergeant, 3rd Cavalry

circa. 1906

Courtesy Otoupalik Collection

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(click here for detailed photos) . (click here for detailed photos)

The 1902 uniform regulations brought about a new appearance for the Army. This sergeant wears the 1902-pattern jacket and cap, retaining the traditional dark blue with yellow facings for cavalry. The U.S. on his collar reflects the changes made in 1905.

HORSE EQUIPMENT

McClellan cavalry saddle

Model 1904

Courtesy Otoupalik Collection

In addition to the change in color from black to russet leather, this saddle demonstrated several important developments such as adjustable quarter straps. This saddle includes a beautifully preserved set of M1904 saddlebags.

NEW WEAPONS FOR A NEW CENTURY

Around 1900 the Army began adopting many new weapons as well as new uniforms and equipment.

Cavalry Saber

Model 1906

Courtesy Anonymous Collection

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When supplies of Civil War surplus sabers finally ran out, the nearly identical Model 1906 saber was adopted, but with an iron guard instead of the traditional brass. This design was intended as an interim solution while experiments were underway with new designs.

Officer’s Saber, Experimental

Model 1906

Courtesy Otoupalik Collection

(click here for detailed photos)

A very small number of these were experimental sabers were made, reflecting a shift from "slashing" to "thrusting" use. The sharkskin grip covering and leather covered scabbard might be used on an officer's model, while an enlisted version would have leather grips and plain steel scabbard.

Springfield .30-06 Rifle

Model 1903

Courtesy anonymous collection

(click here for detailed photos)

The M1903 Springfield marks the first time that the cavalry used the same rifle as the infantry, instead of a special short carbine. This rifle had a faster rate of fire due to use of a "stripper clip" for reloading the magazine.

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Fort Douglas Military Museum Association
Revised:20 December 2008