The Cappello Alpino (Alpine Hat) is the most distinctive feature of the Italian Army's Alpini troops' uniform. The Alpini are light Infantry troops, specializing in mountain combat. Initially, the Cappello was only issued to the Alpini, but soon the Cappello was adopted by the Alpini Corps' support units like artillery, signals, and engineers. Today the Cappello is issued to members of 15 Army regiments, 3 battalions and various high commands. Thanks to the black raven feather, which is carried on each Alpini soldier's Cappello, the Alpinis are known as Le Penne Nere ("The Black Feathers") in Italy. This one is a very nice cast (?) bronze miniature replica. No markings at all but most likely circa WWI. Measures about 3 6/8" from front to back SHIPPING IS VIA USPS FULLY INSURED ALL OFFERINGS ARE AS IS WHERE IS, ALL SALES FINAL, ALL IMAGES AND TEXT ARE FULLY OWNED AND PROTECTED FROM USE WITHOUT PERMISSION: PAYMENTS ARE EXPECED TO BE RECEIVED WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE CLOSE OF THE OFFERING - IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW BEFORE YOU BID - I DO TRY TO ACCOMMODATE! I CAN'T GUARANTEE NEXT DAY SHIPPING, BUT I'M USUALLY PRETTY FAST - SEE MY FEEDBACK!