vintagegamer,

A little more info to narrow it down. The Jacket style looks closer to the M1909 adopted in December 1908 for infantry and artillery (but not cavalry). Though not as distinct as I'd like for certainty, the shoulders seem to have the distinctive rolls unique to the early versions of ...

It's hard to tell what Division and Regiment he was in from the pic. There should be tabs on the shoulders with the Division, but it's pretty blurred there.

If he enlisted locally, he would be in the 55th Savona. This Division was composed of the 15th and 16th Infantry Regiments and 12th Artillery ...

I checked Reitstap and your description is consistent with the Chemet arms from Flanders/Amsterdam. The field is azure (blue) with a chevron d'or (gold), with a trefoils, slipped d'or (gold) in each of the top two quarters, and a lobster argent (Silver) below.

Though it may not necessarily be the ...

Toni,
I think part of the lack of response is because there's no way to answer the question from the information provided. Bernard is a very common name throughout Europe. Much like Peterson up North, which could derive from the many nationalities. Certainly they could have derived from France. But ...

Aragonesi,

The website below has some information. It restates what you already believe, and may point to some more concrete places to find the information you want. Bear in mind, symbols and colors in heraldry do not always follow a logical derivation. Sometimes they refer to specific events ...

Two of my favorite sites for arms:

This one is a pretty comprehensive source for arms. They are a commercial site hoping to sell you a higher rez copy of the arms, but they pretty much have the whole Reitstap book online. It won't give you a lot of info (that's what they want you to buy) but it can ...

Assimilation was a very important part of coming to America. My Italian ancestors not only changed their names, but dropped all affiliations with Catholicism to fit in the predominantly Protestant society they found themselves in.

Ironically, in the Antebellum South, their novelty was particularly ...

Paul,

Thanks for starting the thread. It's nice to connect with you. I wasn't sure when you might pass this way again. Glad you've enjoyed catching up.

I have an original copy of Virginia Trotti Dormon Miller's book from the 1940's. I haven't seen an updated version, but would be interested to see ...

And for more information than most people will ever want on Italian forces in Crimea check out:

For Sardinian Uniforms, Weapons and Errata:

http://marksrussianmilitaryhistory.info/SardinianInfUnif.html

and

For Sardinian battle order, unit command structure and organization:

http ...

Gabriel,

If you are interested in a more historical perspective, here is a web page with information on the Bevilacqua of Ferrara, Verona and Cremona.

http://www.genmarenostrum.com/pagine-le ... lacqua.htm

The Piemontese Carabinieri also apparently participated in the Crimean War.

http://www.carabinieri.it/Internet/Arma/Curiosita/Non+tutti+sanno+che/C/85+C.htm

Also at least one Sardinian Frigate and several transports operated in the Bosphorous in joint allied operations with the British Navy. The ...

As Peter said. As I understand it, it is a term of respect, usually for the head or leading member of a family, as well as honorific for priests or monks, generally those who head their order or monastery.

It does not necessarily denote nobility, as common individuals of good standing can be so ...

Another good web page to check out is

http://www.biellaclub.it/_cultura/personaggi/Alessandro%20LM/

It talks about the origins of the Bersaglieri corps and its first commander Alessandro Ferrero, who created it and led it to Crimea.

The Eastern Army of Italy (really Sardinia-Piedmonte) I believe ...

Thank you Bonval. You are very welcome on this thread. I too have often marvelled at the fortitude of the women who emigrated to the shores of early America. I have also been fascinated by those who remained behind on the Continent. It is always sobering to go through records where many of the ...

Gustavo,

I sent Italian and English versions to the hotmail address. If they do not arrive, let me know at sylogician@aol.com

Translation note: If you use the English version to translate to Spanish, be aware I used the English word "Mayor" for the Italian term "Podesta." English does not have an ...