Looking for stuff on Mentana I found this image - is it a French drummer? Anyway if you are eagle-eyed you will notice below a new contributor, Andre who I am sure will need no introduction really from the various images and comments. Welcome!
G. Fattori, Tamburino, matita su carta, Museo Civico Fattori Livorno
yes it is a french with the "duck" looking képy !!! and unique sabre, for chassepot instead of 1831 sabre plus bayonette (for mousqueton 1829T bis)
ReplyDeleteAndré, you represent the french speaking people !!I'm sure you will be a honourable messenger!
best regards
paco
regards
It is one from the Cacciatori Estensi (Foreign Chasseurs). These guys were Catholic Frenchmen who "voluntered" for the Papal service when Napoleon III offered the Pope military help.
ReplyDeleteThey together with the Zouaves bore the brunt of the fight at Mentana together with the "true" French units.
cheers
uwe