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I think it is the model 1844 Minie La Marmora or Bersaglieri carbine. Another view from the underside:
As they were sharpshooters like the Chasseurs à pied I presume the extension was to steady the shot.
Each Sardinian infantry brigade had a battalion of Bersaglieri.
The battle they were involved in, in the Crimean War, was Chernaya or Battaglia della Cernaia (Italian pronunciation of the Russian)for an Italian web search.
I was hoping an Italian forum visitor would respond. There must be somebody in an Italian military museum who knows definitely and maybe they have a photo of the weapon.
Some late 18th c/early 19th c Swiss crossbows and Swiss hunting carbines have similar additions to the stock. It could be an Alpine influence as the Bersaglieri were intended additionally to function as mountain troops as I believe the Alpinis were from 1872 onwards.
Bersaglieri had a lot of buglers/trumpeters (fanfara) as these were the only instruments allowed per unit as most functions were carried out on the trot or running. Strelets have included a figure with a trumpet on his back which is a nice touch. Some had a bandana under the hat which Strelets have also reproduced.
Yes, I was thinking that as a spike (if that's what it is) it might help riflemen climbing in steep, rough, frozen terrain using the rifle as a staff/pick like you often see in pictures of mountain climbers.
Maybe someone will come along and set us straight.
Based on figures I'm more familiar with it seems that Strelets does a thorough job in researching uniforms and kit. These figures look great with a lot of action. Been thinkin' about some conversion possibilities.
Hello guys,
I have four historical books about Bersaglieri (Bersaglieri, "From La Marmora to Commandos", CGE 1979) at home.
In the first volume there are several interesting illustrations of the Crimean War that could be interesting for you.
I will try to scan all and show you before the end of this week.
By the way, great work Strelets, Xорошо!
Roberto
inside teh butt many were hollow they have tools to help teh weapon function.i think this is teh butt plate that is also teh cover for teh tool comppartement.
Many middle 20 century have these also.our main problem was these rattle and cause noise. not tactical as tehy say unless filled with wadding to pull weapon thru with a rod or string with metal weight on.
looking at robertos foros , i then recall how different rifle size stocks for different size people .
i think it possible or pheasable ,it could be a butt extension. for taller guys.also teh fitting onto a standard size rifle could be used as a shanking tool in close quarter battle.Pretty crude but effective.
not all teh diagrams show teh rifle with this fitting etc..maybe its to help the soldier fire the weapon in teh shoulder , simply. Just as liek some soldiers mounted their own bipods on rifles in crude form.Soldiers have much time to develop a system that works for them in comfort and professionalism.bersaglieri were famed marksmen so i guess this is related pheasability.i am no expert but is just nice to discuss teh different oprtions from a factory produced model standard model. i think you find that these possibilities there is one probability is correct.