Del Prado Italian Ardito 1917: A First World War Assault Soldier

Del Prado · First World War · Italy, 1917

A soft cap, dark field uniform and compact standing pose give this Italian Ardito a practical appearance. The figure introduces assault infantry to a First World War collection without relying on an elaborate action scene.

A specialist role in 1917

The Italian army formed its first Arditi units in the summer of 1917. These assault troops were associated with breaking into enemy defences, and their clothing and equipment reflected a specialist role within the wartime army. The singular is Ardito; Arditi is the plural.

The model’s date places it at the beginning of that formation’s wartime history. It should not be given a later political identity simply because some veterans became involved in post-war movements. The subject here is an Italian assault infantryman during the First World War.

A different outline from the helmeted infantryman

The photograph shows a soft cap, grey-green clothing and a relatively uncluttered upper body. A long weapon is held beside the figure, while the opposite hand sits closer to the waist. Wrapped lower legs lead down to dark boots and a rectangular base.

The open front of the uniform and the lower headgear produce a less formal appearance than a parade subject. Compare the cap shape, arm positions and equipment arrangement when identifying a loose example. A generic “Italian soldier” title may hide the more specific Ardito subject.

Checking a standing specialist

Inspect the firearm, wrists and cap edges from more than one angle. Look for thick paint around the weapon grip, which can conceal a repair. The uniform’s muted colour makes evenly lit photographs especially valuable for finding chips.

An ordinary First World War infantryman is a useful companion because the pairing introduces differences in role and equipment. Keep the Ardito’s 1917 date visible. For an Italian chronological display, place him before the 1935 corporal and leave room between their distinct silhouettes.

The standing pose is helpful for a comparative photograph with another Italian soldier: align the bases and shoot at chest height so the headgear and clothing can be studied directly. Keep the dates under the figures. The result becomes a small uniform comparison, with the Ardito’s specialist identity supplied by the accompanying label.

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