Landships II

James H · Legend

Need Help Identifying Uniform

Lola66 · Private

This is a photo of what I believe is my great grandfather, from Italy.� Can someone help me identify the uniform, and era please?

James H · Legend

I would say this is a Bersaglieri (light infantry) regt Dress Uniform. Can't see any rank insignia. Hard to say which era, as the Italian uniform underwent very few changes from pre-WWI until post-WWII.

Sorry, best I can do. But have a look here: http://www.landships.freeservers.com/italian_uniforms.htm

Lola66 · Private

Thank you!.� I know these photos were taken to the US by my Grandmother when she emigrated here in the mid/late 1930's, so it had to be taken around then.

Excelsior1 · Major

The Fascist army had collar insignia that were heavily stylised "flames". I'm no expert, but the ones on your gt grandfather's jacket appear to be the right shape. If the pic was taken in the '30s, I expect that would make sense.

Lola66 · Private

Unfortunately this is all I have. It is definately a postcard and part of a larger picture, but it was cut and placed in an album. The name is on the back, and I will have to try and scan the photo instead of taking a picture. It is not in my possession so I t may take awhile

Rectalgia · Legend

Sometimes swords are useful in terms of being specific to particular regiments or corps (not so much for eras though as those on issue in the 20th century tend to stay in service an awfully long time). Having said that, this looks like the general issue M1888 sword, issued to Cavalry, Carabinieri and Bersaglieri (and certainly issued up until the Italian colonial/imperial period, maybe seen after then as well) so not any help. But I'm no expert, could be worth checking the specialised military sword forums, especially if you can get a sharper image.