What Italian regiment?

[CF1981]

Hi, not sure if this is the right place for this, but does anyone know what regiment of the Italian army this is? Or could someone point me in the direction of someone who would know? The photo is my 3 times great grandfather. Thanks

[ScouseBoy]

Which war was he involved in, do you know?

[CF1981]

Hi, I think this photo was taken around 1870, just after the unification of Italy. It could be later, 1890 maybe. But he's  a youngish man there, and he was having children in the 1870-80's. I don't know if he was involved in any battles related to the unification of Italy? I have no idea. He would have been too old for World War One, his son, my great great grandfather fought in that war, in the British Royal Field Artillery. Thanks.

[macintosh]

Looks like a, busby type hat  pity can't make out all of the badge on it, perhaps light cavalry.
Try posting on the Armed Forces Board


James

[barryd]

Probably a NCO and not an officer as he is posing with a rifle. Going by the British Army he looks like an Italian Lance-Corporal. But that is a wild guess. Scroll down to very last image and that might give rank and choices of army units. On the bottom line (right of the trumpeter) there is an X image  badge similar to the X image which is near the plume of the hat on your photograph.


http://www.uniformology.com/RUHL-08.html

[MaxD]

Not a British uniform.  The headdress is strikingly similar to a French Army Shako worn today by the French Republican Guard so could it be French.  Google images will also show similar collar worn by some senior ranks.  Shako badge if identifiable will give the regiment.

However, if definitely Italian as the original post says, then cancel the above!!

maxD

[jess5athome]

Am I seeing things, or is there a number "2" on the hat?

Frank.

[barryd]

Yes is looks like a number 2
No is looks like the the Crossed Axes of the (Saper) Sapper? badge on the images attached. previously.
I am sitting on the fence on this one.

[Cas (stallc)]

Am I seeing things, or is there a number "2" on the hat?

Frank.

Now you point it out, I can see it. Possibly just an emblem of uniform. Cannot see why there would be a number 2 on regimental hat. But know nothing, stand to be corrected.

Great pic by the way.

Cas