Italian Cavalry Pictures??

Napoli · Post by **Napoli** » 16 Jul 2003 08:57

Hello,

Any posibility of photo's of these troops, preferably with their sabres or without.
Just trying to clarify what type of sabre was being used by them.

Thanks to any responses

Peter H · Post by **Peter H** » 16 Jul 2003 11:52

Colonel Bettoni's uniform and equipment on display.Bettoni lead the famous Savoia Cavalleria charge in the Ukraine 1942.

His saber,obviously of superior quality,can be seen at the bottom.

K.Kocjancic · Post by **K.Kocjancic** » 16 Jul 2003 11:55

From where is this photo taken? Your collection?

Regards,
Kocjo

Peter H · Post by **Peter H** » 16 Jul 2003 11:58

Some pics of Italian cavalry on the Eastern Front.I wish they were bigger in size.

http://digilander.libero.it/avantisavoi ... evskij.jpg

http://digilander.libero.it/avantisavoi ... nkji_1.JPG

http://www.elsitmilanes.it/image_armir/tragedia.gif

Peter H · Post by **Peter H** » 16 Jul 2003 12:01

3rd Savoia Cavallerio Regiment prints.

http://www.il-regno.it/images//collezionismo/c150.jpg

Napoli · Post by **Napoli** » 17 Jul 2003 10:18

Theres some pretty good photo's in there Moulded, dont see that every day.

I thought it might be this sabre?:

Baron Trenck · Post by **Baron Trenck** » 18 Jul 2003 12:14

I think this is also italian Cavalry

Napoli · Post by **Napoli** » 19 Jul 2003 04:49

Also this from East front

Peter H · Post by **Peter H** » 19 Jul 2003 06:55

Kocjo wrote:From where is this photo taken? Your collection?

Regards,
Kocjo

Bettoni's gear is on display at the Museum of Cavalry.I didn't attribute the photo as I downloaded it ages ago and wasn't too sure where it came from.

zaptiè · Post by **zaptiè** » 23 Dec 2004 12:30

it's from Museo della Cavvalleria in Pinerolo ( near Turin) , Italy, in this museum you can see also an original uniform of the Cosak unit of the italian army

luigi · Post by **luigi** » 23 Dec 2004 14:09

Napoli, the foto you have is the mod. 1871 (?) sabre not sure about the final year, let's say 187something

It was, as far as I recall, the officer's sabre for all officers, also in the other branches of the army (exccept Bersaglieri who have a special curved sabre traditionally "earned" during the Crimean war). The example shown is brunished as prescribed for lessen visibility just after Italy declared war on Austria thus entering WWI.
I understand that this sabre is also the standard cavalry sabre.
As an aside, I've read that many Savoia horsemen at Isbuschenskij/Tchebotaresky used war prey cossak guardless swords, much heavier than the Italian sabre, which were able to open an helmet in two halfs like a coccoa-nut.

Regards

Napoli II · Post by **Napoli II** » 30 Dec 2004 02:09

Thankyou guys,

Interesting to see an old topic like this found again!!
I've had to come in under another name due to problems, but aside from that I do have a sword as pictured by myself in my own possesion now in its original nickel finnish and it actually looks so thin and flexible that it is almost only a display side arm, if used I'd find it hard to believe it could crack a tomato in half!!

Yes, the model is around 1871.

Though looking closely at one of the small paintings displayed above, a sabre can be seen of a much heavier type as you describe on its saddle, but has a gaurd around handle, it looks much like any other sword used by countries such as Germany etc.
But at the same time I would also believe the gaurdless type sabre would have been used as I have also seen these used by the Russian during WWII.

Thankyou for bring up an interesting topic guys

luigi · Post by **luigi** » 30 Dec 2004 15:11

Hi Napoli,
I don't own one 1871 mod. sabre myself but had the oppportunity to hold one in my hands some times and i too wondered how light it was, OTOH i never held other sabres in hand so I cannot compare.
I think if you own a post WWII made sabre it will be more likely for display only. Consider also that the blade should not be used laterally

Anyway it is easier to brek in two peaces before being gloriously shot at.

A feature which might be unique (at least I've been told so and haven't found in my very limited knowledge in no other sabres) is the recess in the guard to accomodate the thumb for better hold and balance, I found it most ergonomic.

Regards

Napoli II · Post by **Napoli II** » 31 Dec 2004 01:51

Luigi,

I also have German WWI Light (quite heavy actually to be honest) cavalry sabre of 1916 manufacture (1870's design?) which was a standard piece of theirs and much, much heavier.

To compare both, the Italian model is a piece that could calve up and slash in the blink of an eye and deadly accurate, the German, or common type sabre is the type of piece that if it was to collect something in its path especially during a charge, it would quite easily break bones or inflict one wound that would lead to death.
I believe they obtained the term "wrist breaker" due to that...............or because my own wrist becomes quite sore after using it around the house

Ciao fella's

JeffreyF · Post by **JeffreyF** » 31 Dec 2004 04:30

How does it compare to the cossack sabre? I seem to recall reading some Italians preferred using captured blades. Although I can't remember where that comes from so it is probably just my imagination running amok.