The two samples just in are so new they're on neither the Mirliton SG Italian website nor their US website! Received are IIGM-91 Cannone D'Accompagnamento da 65/17 and an accompanying Eritrean Askari gun crew (I'm not sure of their part number). The gun model is quite nice, with a clean, machined look and lots of detail. The crew measure about 22M Barrett; one is standing up straight to ease my measurements. They're all wearing tunics, shorts, and tarbuscs (with tassels), and are barefoot (even the one wearing puttees). Detailing is good - restrained but quite distinct equipment, scale-looking weaponry (mainly slung rifles). There are six distinct poses comprising a complete gun crew.
My reference materials on Italian colonial troops are somewhat limited but the troops do appear to be wearing the proper 1929 Italian Colonial Army uniform, complete with tarbusc (tallish fez) and the distinctive large rank chevrons. The web gear matches the pictures I have and the rifles appear to be the proper Mannlicher-Carcano M91/38s. In fact, these figures look good enough in scale, proportion, etc., to make it into a non-gaming diorama, along with the gun...
If I understand the pricing on the Mirliton website (at http://www.home.bellsouth.net/personalpages/P WP-mirlitonusa) correctly, either the gun and crew sell as two separate items for $4.25 apiece, or they sell as a ;et for $8.00. Either way, while not cheap, these figures are very nice, regardless of whether you plan to game with them - or model with them.
These should be available from your local hobby shop or failing that, directly from Mirliton U.S.A. via their website or at 12010 Lakeland Park Blvd. Ste 109, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, phone (225) 755-2085. Recommended to the gamer or modeler wanting esoteric Italian equipment!
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