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 have rifled barrels, so they could learn to clean fouling from the blanks. This example has a smoothbore barrel, and instead of the usual white metal or zinc action, this example has an action made entirely of brass! Only the magazine housing and barrel are magnetic, with the sight, bayonet, barrel band, and most other parts made from brass, which does make it very decorative!

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, though the brass does make it a bit heavier than the usual examples we see.

This example was produced in 1939, as marked on the nocks form of the "barrel", along with the production information:

F.M.B.
GRAZIAN
VERONA
1938-XVII

The "XVII" after the date is the roman numeral for 17, as it was the 17th year of the rule of dictator Benito Mussolini, which began in 1922. The top of the chamber ring on the receiver is marked with the GIL fasces logo, as this was made after 1937, when the organization was formed. There are faded stock cartouche on right side of the butt stock, which has some illegible text around the outside, and 42958 in the center.

Condition is very good, showing moderate wear from use and age. The action still cycles and dry fires, though it takes significant effort to cock the bolt and open the breech. Most likely the bearing surfaces are worn due to being made from brass. The folding bayonet is fully functional, and shows just a bit of bending, but no cracks or major damage.

A very interesting brass action youth flank firing carbine from WWII Italy, ready to research and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1939
Caliber: 6mm Blanks
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 14 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 29 1/2 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 Gioventù Italiana del Littorio (GIL) (English: Italian Youth of the Lictor) was the consolidated youth movement of the National Fascist Party of Italy that was established in 1937 to replace the Opera NSDAPonale Balilla (ONB). It was created to supervise and influence the minds of all youths, that was effectively directed against the influence of the Catholic Church on youths.

The organization surpassed its purpose as a cultural institution that was intended to serve as the ideological counterpart of school, and served as a paramilitary group (training for future assignments in the Italian Army), as well as education in the career of choice, technology (including postschool courses for legal adults), or education related to home and family (solely for the girls). It carried out indoctrination with a message of Italian-ness and Fascism, training youths as "the fascists of tomorrow".

Moreover, the GIL took charge of all activities initiated by schools, and pressured teachers to enlist all students. Aside from the usual "Fascist Saturdays", children would spend their summers in camps (which included the national-level Campi Dux, reunions of Balilla and Avanguardisti).

Male children enrolled wore a uniform adapted from that of the Blackshirts: the eponymous black shirt, the fez of Arditi tradition, grey-green trousers, black fasces emblems, and azure handkerchiefs (i.e.: in the national color of Italy). During military exercises, they were armed with scaled-down version of Royal Italian Army service rifle, Moschetto Balilla (the rifles were replaced with replica versions for the Figli della Lupa).