The second half of the 19th century. Brass hilt with lion head pommel and wire wrapped black leather covered grip. 34 1/8” slightly curved s.e. blade decorated with military trophies and foliage. Blade dark with minor pitting speckles. Hilt dark with light wear. Slightly less quality than its Northern counterparts as Sardinia was known for its suffering military budget and the Bersagliere was created as shock troops to compensate for the lack of cavalry. They remained an elite force through the unification of Italy, known for, among other things, their running gate at the parade, instead of marching, a reflection of their training to run into battle and between confrontations.
