In 95% condition, we have a hard to find 1916 dated Pistola A Tipo Ufficiali Alleggerita Rotazione Modello 1889. Translated to read the “Lightweight Enlisted model 1889 Revolver”. This was the Standard Italian Army side arm from 1889 right through into the 1920’s and even though many Beretta Pistols were carried, this was the predominate side arm of the Italian Army well past WWI.
Surprisingly these revolvers were still in service with the Caribinieri right into the 1950’s. In Italy they are commonly referred to as “Bodeo” Revolvers after the designer, but the nick name the soldiers gave them was the “Leg of Lamb“. While we may look upon this with some bemusement today, this was a highly regarded sidearm and had a good reputation in combat. Finding nice complete examples of Italian WWI Service Weapons is highly challenging and this is a very rare opportunity to get a complete setup of their service revolver.