Italy Regia Aeronautica Estiva Uniform question

[rathbonemuseum]

Dear Friends,

I am having a dillema with one of my aviation uniforms and need your help. I have an Italian Estiva class uniform for what I believe is a maresciallo grade officer. The problem is, it doesn't seem to have the correct "look". I am using Andrea Viotti's book as a guide. Here is his illustration:

Now here is my uniform. You can see there are differences. There are three buttons on the front instead of two. The lapel is much larger and falls wider on the chest. I am wondering if my tunic is for an NCO? Is it more modern? Earlier? Than the 1939 grade Estiva uniform?

Thanks for your help.

Tod __________________

Tod Rathbone

Rathbone Museum of WWII Aviation Uniforms and Insignia

http://www.rathbonemuseum.com

[militalian]

Hi Tod,

this is the R.A. WW2 italian white jacket model ( from book Atlante delle Uniformi ) .

See the embroidered pockets .

The cap of your dummy is for a 2nd Lieutenant and not " Maresciallo " , I hope very quickly to send a scan of this rank model .

Forgive my english and Greetings from Rome.

Luigi ( Militalian ) .

[rathbonemuseum]

Hello Luigi,

Thank you for your reply and information.

Yes, your illustration is the classic estive jacket. I still do not know what my jacket is. I don't know if it is WWII or later.

Are you sure that the hat is for 2nd Lieutenant? The single band has the blue and gold stripes I thought were for a Maresciallo. I thought the 2nd Lt. band was solid gold.

Cheers,

Tod

Edited February 17, 2008 by rathbonemuseum

[militalian]

Hi Tod,

this is a Maresciallo rank .

This is an old Artillery Kepy but the rank model is the same also during the WW2 .

Take care.

Luigi

[Ed Maroli]

The Torpedo Badge looks like a BOMISA. Is it?

~Ed