Sardinian Legion Info and Photos needed

[hmsbrinmaric]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for info on the Sardinian Legion. Also photos of the distinctive headgear they wore.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Keith

[Dennis S]

Keith not sure exactly what you mean.

Here are pics of insignia from the RSI period of the " volontari di sardegna"(volunteers of sardinia)
taken from Blitzkreig forum.

[Dennis S]

in uniform

[Dennis S]

bustina with skull.

[Dennis S]

Now this is the "Granatieri di Sardegna" (Grenadiers of Sardinia)

Modern photo.

[Dennis S]

Granatieri di Sardegna hat from the 1860's

[hmsbrinmaric]

..

[hmsbrinmaric]

Hi Dennis,

Thanks for the pictures. I'm looking mainly for a photo of a special type of Bustina or fez I was told they wore. It had a skull and cross bones on the front,
a large feather plume and a braided tassle hanging down one side. I'll try and get some pics of the piece i am referring to and post it.

Keith

[Dennis S]

What period is the hat from ?

[hmsbrinmaric]

Hi Dennis,

Here is a picture of the cap I was referring to. I was told it was WWII period and it was for the Sardinian Volunteer Legion. I can't find any info on it.

Keith

[Dennis S]

Keith, I am not familiar with it, but it looks kind of Masonic to me.

[hmsbrinmaric]

Hi Dennis,

A collector in Italy told me it was Sardinian. I've tried looking up Masonic/ Knights Templar photos but nothing like this comes up. I have no idea of what it is.

Thanks for the help,
Keith

[Massimo F.]

I,ve never seen such "hat" in use on any of the Sardinian Units, and I come from Sardinia! Check also the Brigata Sassari known also as "Dimonios" "Demons" it's a very famous and glorious Sardinian Unit.
The 2 crossed knives under the skull are typical "Pattadese" (from the village of Pattada) knives, a pattern of knife very widespread in Sardinia with several variations depending on the village . It was the favorite choice of the shepherds for work and self defense. Muflone (a wild mutton species from Sardinia) horn handle and elongated leaf shaped blade.
here are some modern examples