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ITALIAN FNA (BRESCIA) BALILLA BOLT ACTION TRAINING

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 400.00 USD
ITALIAN FNA (BRESCIA) BALILLA BOLT ACTION TRAINING
CARBINE. Cal. 6.5 Training Blank. S# 44548. Bbl. 14 3/8". Bbl. marked on top flat over chamber "GRAZIAN VERONA". Marked on top right flat "F.M.B." which may stand for Fucile Modello Brevettato (patented model rifle). Marked on top left flat "1939 XIII". These interesting Italian training rifles from the Fascist era were produced by the Central Office of the Opera Nazaionale Balilla for the pre military training of boys ages 6-12. The weapons produced were a close copy of the 1891 carbine & utilized a blank cartridge in 5 rd. enbloc clips. These Grazian produced rifles used many bronze parts instead of steel including receivers & bolts. 11 1/8" folding spike bayonet. The trigger guards on these rifles are distinctive for the slight "belly" in the bottom profile. Hardwood stock set w/ provision for side sling. Right side of buttstock has crisp "Grazian Verona Fratelli" roundel. Bronze trap buttplate. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 2 piece cleaning rod in butt. CONDITION: stock set has well worn original varnish type finish w/ wear & handling marks throughout. Several small cracks behind receiver tang. Metal parts have a mix of finishes including a dark patina on the bronze parts. Cast metal trigger guard is turning gray. Dark oxidized bore. PROVENANCE: From the Lifelong Collection of Glen E. Mattox. (23-82/RW). CURIO. $300-400.