Original Italian WWII ONB Fascist Youth Balilla Blank Firing M1891 Carcano Training Carbine by FNA with Sling - dated 1937
Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice "Child-Sized" blank firing Carcano Model 1891 Carbine, officially termed the Moschetto Regolomentare Ballila Modelo 1891 (Balilla Regulatory Musket Modelo 1891). These scaled-down Mannlicher-Carcano pattern bolt-action carbines were intended for Italian Fascist Youth training, used by the Opera Nazonale Balilla (ONB), 1926-1937 and the follow-on Gioventù Italiana del Littorio (GIL) through WWII. Intended to only fire a 6mm blank cartridge, these diminutive “Ballila” pieces were also fitted with an equally small folding bayonet at the end of their 14-inch barrel.
Not intended for any actual firing use, these were intended to instill an esprit de corps in the youths who used them. They also provided a way of training the youths in the handling and care of rifles, and for this reason many, such as this example, have rifled barrels, so they could learn to clean fouling from the blanks. The youngest of these groups intended to receive training were only 6-8 years old and were mustered as units called Figli del Lupa (Children of the She Wolf.) Hence the carbines needed to be quite lightweight.
This example was produced in 1937, as marked on the end of the "barrel", along with the production information:
1937-XV'o
F.N.A.
BRESCIA
D7736
Most of these were made by Toy manufacturers, however this example was made at the Fabbrica Nazonale d'Armi (National Army Factory or FNA) in Brescia, a city with a long history of firearms production. It also bears the Roman Numeral date "XV" indicating it was made in the 15th year of dictator Benito Mussolini's rule, which began in 1922. The top of the chamber ring on the receiver is marked with the ONB fasces logo, as this was made during 1937, before the organization was absorbed by the GIL.
The condition is very good, and this example looks to have been used as a presentation example, and still has the presentation plaque on the right butt stock, which reads:
Fascista AMADEI EDOARDO
Caduto il 5 Agosto 1922
Gala Baganza (Parma)
This looks to be a dedication to a fallen member of the Italian fascist organization, named "Edoardo Amadei", who is listed as "Fallen August 5, 1922 Gala Baganza (Parma)." We have not been able to find any information regarding this individual, however this period was a time of unrest in Italy, during the Fascist takeover. Definitely some fantastic research potential here!
The action still cycles and dry fires, and the folding bayonet is functional as well, though the blade is slightly bent, as they were not made from tempered steel. There is an original child-sized sling still attached to the left side of the carbine.
A very interesting youth flank firing carbine from WWII Italy, ready to display!
Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1937
Caliber: 6mm Blanks
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 14 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 30 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
NOTE: These were manufactured as BLANK FIRE ONLY. These are sold for display only and we do not recommend ANY type of use. The design is basically a fancy overgrown cap gun.
All purchases are sent adult signature required UPS. Priority Mail is not available for this item. You must be 18 years old to purchase this model and 21 to sign for the package.
Not available for export or shipment to certain U.S. locations. Blank fire ONLY. Cannot be converted to a functional weapon. Please read legal information for safety guidelines prior to purchasing.
The Opera Nazonale Balilla (ONB) was an Italian Fascist youth organization functioning between 1926 and 1937, when it was absorbed into the Gioventù Italiana del Littorio (GIL), a youth section of the National Fascist Party.
It takes its name from Balilla, the nickname of Giovan Battista Perasso, a Genoese boy who, according to local legend, started the revolt of 1746 against the Habsburg forces that occupied the city in the War of the Austrian Succession. Perasso was chosen as the inspiration for his supposed age and revolutionary activity, while his presence in the fight against Austria reflected the irredentist stance taken by early Fascism, and Italy's victories in World War I.
-
This product is not available for shipping in US state(s)
Alaska, American Samoa, Armed Forces Africa, Armed Forces Americas, Armed Forces Canada, Armed Forces Europe, Armed Forces Middle East, Armed Forces Pacific, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Federated States Of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Kansas, Marshall Islands, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wisconsin
This product is not available for international shipping.
- All purchases are sent signature required UPS. Priority Mail is not available for this item. You must be 18 years old to purchase this model and 21 to sign for the package.
This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. Every display machinegun and machine gun parts set and gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).
Muzzle of barrel has RED PLUG as required by US LAW. Not available for export or in some US locations. This is a Blank-Firing Only gun that can never be engineered to fire a live round therefore no license of any kind is required to purchase this item. These are constructed of an alloy totally unsuitable for use in a firearm and any attempt to convert these blank-firing or stage prop pistols to take ammunition other than those listed above many cause the pistol to explode and could render the user liable to prosecution, and or subject them to great harm.
International Military Antiques, Inc., nor any representative thereof, can accept any responsibility for injury or damage of any description arising from intentional or accidental use of these guns. Persons not qualified to do so should not attempt to disassemble these units. USE WITH CAUTION!
SAFETY GUIDELINES
BLANK GUNS ARE NOT TOYS! Never ever point your blank gun at another person (except for movies, plays etc where that type of behavior is expected). Even though they don't shoot a projectile they can be mistaken for the real thing.
Do not carry your blank gun in public. It should NEVER be carried on the street, hidden on your person, or left carelessly in your car. Do not leave it where it is accessible to unsupervised children or irresponsible adults. If a police officer sees you with one he will shoot first ask questions later. These blank guns look and sound real.
Wear ear protection when firing blank guns. The 8mm round is very loud and can damage hearing. When using a blank-firing, stage prop pistol, always fire them with arm fully extended and at a safe distance from any other person. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. NEVER point any blank-firing or stage prop pistol at any person.
When blank-firing stage prop pistols are fired, gunpowder gas is vented forward and sideways through the front of the cylinder, NOT from the muzzle. This gas is hot, and may contain small particles of powder debris. At arm's length it dissipates harmlessly into the air, but if your hands, face or other parts of your body are in close proximity to the vent hole it can cause burns, cuts or abrasions.
Imitation New Made Gun Laws:-
CALIFORNIA and KANSAS:
Imitation Firearms, regardless of date, may only be shipped:
1. In conjunction with a frame or presentation box; or
2. Solely for export in interstate or foreign commerce; or
3. Solely for use in theatrical or re-enactment productions; or
4. For use in certified sporting events or competitions; or
5. For use in military or civil defense or ceremonial activities; or
6. For public display authorized by public or private schools:
CONNECTICUT, MASSACHUSETTS, WISCONSIN and MINNESOTA:
All replicas of antique firearms (pre-1898) are allowed. We will not ship replicas of modern firearms (post-1898) to these states.
NEW YORK STATE AND PUERTO RICO:
Replicas of antique firearms (pre-1898) are allowed. We will only ship replicas of modern firearms (post-1898) to theatrical, re-enactment, military, police or other government accounts.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
