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 use the only steel components on these carbines are the screws and the barrel, with everything else looking to be made from cast white metal, most likely zinc. They were intended to instill an esprit de corps in the youths who used them. 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 1939, as marked on the end of the "barrel", along with the production information:

F.M.B.
GRAZIAN
VERONA
1939

The top of the chamber ring on the zinc receiver is marked with the GIL fasces logo, as this was made after 1937, when the organization was formed. There is a faded stock cartouche on the right side of the butt stock, which we unfortunately cannot read.

Condition is very good, showing wear from use and age. The action still cycles and dry fires, and the folding bayonet is functional as well, though the blade has a crack and is slightly bent. 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: 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: The receiver and bolt on this are NON-MAGNETIC WHITE METAL. These are sold for display only and we do not recommend ANY type of use. These are basically overgrown cap guns.

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).