Berliner Zinnfiguren/Books & Media/Books/Tanks/Italy products

Guglielmi, Daniele/Pieri, Mario: Carro Armato Ariete 39,95 €

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:40:08 +0200

Following their 2025 volume on the Centauro and Centauro 2 armored cars, Daniele Guglielmi and Mario Pieri present the Italian Ariete tank. This work, too, is illustrated with numerous, some previously unpublished, photographs, drawings, technical data, and color profiles. It is divided into five chapters covering the history of Italian tanks, the Ariete's predecessors, projects and prototypes, production models, later modifications up to the current C2 version, its deployment, and a comparison with its main competitors. Two appendices on color schemes and markings, as well as a bibliography, complete the work. It is based on extensive research and collaboration with leading figures in the Italian defense industry.

Cristini, Luca (Hrsg.): The Weapons Encyclopedia. Tank, Aircraft, AFV, Ship, Artillery, Vehicles, Secret Weapons. Special Album. Volume 4: Italian artillery 1914-1945 45,95 €

Thu, 28 May 2026 07:00:08 +0200

The publication traces the development of Italian artillery from 1915 to 1945 and analyses most of the cannons and howitzers manufactured during those years. Starting with the first experiences on the Alpine front during the First World War, which were characterised by material shortages but also by improvised innovations, the book traces the slow modernisation process of the Royal Army and highlights the progress and limitations that characterised the interwar period, before analysing the vehicles used in the Second World War in the campaigns in Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean. All this in a richly illustrated book that analyses all the vehicles and even the tractors used for transport. As always, it is accompanied by numerous rare images, photographs and dozens of detailed profiles!

Cristini, Luca (Hrsg.): The Weapons Encyclopedia. Tank, Aircraft, AFV, Ship, Artillery, Vehicles, Secret Weapons. Special Album. Volume 3: Italian Gun Trucks 1915-1945 42,95 €

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:10:05 +0200

Italian self-propelled guns from the Second World War were the result of technical and logistical necessities arising from industrial backwardness and a lack of modern armoured vehicles. Although they proved to be extremely effective tactically especially the 90/53 they suffered from little or no protection for the crew, limited firing stability and low production numbers, which meant they had no decisive impact on the front lines. Despite these limitations, they represented an intelligent and pragmatic adaptation of the available resources. All this is covered in a richly illustrated book that analyses all the vehicles that were converted for service. As always, it is accompanied by numerous rare images, colour photographs and dozens of detailed profiles.

Malavoglia, Gabriele: Tanks of the Italian Social Republic 35,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:40:09 +0200

After the armistice and the establishment of the Italian Social Republic, rebuilding the army proved to be a difficult undertaking. The Germans rejected this idea outright and only relented when the war situation deteriorated, allowing Italian units to be formed and armed. The few tank units that were created were largely the result of individual initiatives by a few determined officers and therefore remained small. The chronic shortage of armoured vehicles meant that many units had to resort to a mixture of equipment, often sourced from Royal Army depots. In some cases, however, this shortage was offset by personal relationships and trust between the commanders of the Italian tank units and the German military authorities.

Cristini, Luca Stefano (Hrsg.): The Weapons Encyclopedia. Tank, Aircraft, AFV, Ship, Artillery, Vehicles, Secret Weapon. Volume 41: Italian heavy tanks 27,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:16 +0200

The P40, P43 and Celere Sahariano tanks represented the latest and most advanced attempts by Italian industry to equip its armoured forces with competitive vehicles in the final stages of the Second World War. However, industrial problems, delays and the war situation prevented these projects from having any significant impact on operations. Nevertheless, ambitious projects emerged in this final context. The P40, classified as heavy despite its 26 tonnes (well below Allied standards), was the first real attempt to equip the Italian army with a tank that could compete with the Sherman and Panzer IV. With its 75/34 gun and German-inspired armour, the P40 could have turned the tide if only it had been produced in significant numbers.

Tallillo, A.: I Semoventi italiani su scafo "M" 20,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:40:09 +0200

It is a cliché to describe Italian armoured vehicles as outdated. This may be true for battle tanks, but when it comes to Italian self-propelled guns on M chassis, the discussion is much broader and includes vehicles that were truly up to the task. Only the inherent weakness of Italian heavy industry prevented their wider use and faster adaptation to operational conditions. Technically speaking, although the various chassis generally had the same shortcomings as the originals (with the exception of the M42 and M43), the on-board guns were more than adequate, and in some cases even excellent. Their usefulness was also recognised by the German Wehrmacht from autumn 1943 onwards for the defence of the southern front, where vehicles with a more compact silhouette and lower weight were preferred. In addition to the self-propelled guns, command vehicles were also invaluable, which were usually based on the same chassis and were also suitable for other tasks. This issue of the Tank Master series summarises the entire series of the most technically advanced Italian self-propelled guns, limiting the description of their operational use to the essentials.

Tallillo, A./Tallillo, A./Guglielmi, D.: Carro Fiat 3000 31,95 €

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:45:09 +0200

This work presents the emergence of the first Italian armoured units, their vehicles and weapons, and the men who devoted themselves to them with pioneering spirit. The focus is on the Fiat 3000 tank, which cannot simply be regarded as a derivative of the French FT. The historical and technical aspects are presented in detail and with documentary accuracy, thanks in part to fifteen in-depth text inserts; more than 110 historical images, many of which have never been published before, and 39 colour plates show interesting camouflage schemes, including those from other countries, and numerous details that will always be useful to model builders. In addition, around fifteen black-and-white drawings illustrate the various configurations that the Fiat 3000 took on during its long years of service. The uniforms of the crews and their equipment are also mentioned.

Guglielmi, Daniele/Pieri, Mario: Autoblindo Centauro e Centauro 2 44,95 €

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:10:05 +0200

This volume is dedicated to the Italian Centauro and Centauro 2 wheeled armoured vehicles and contains over 250 previously unpublished photos as well as numerous technical drawings, data sheets and colour illustrations specially prepared by Ruggero Calò. The work is divided into six chapters presenting the Centauro's predecessors, the designs and prototypes, the description and development of the two models, the main competitors, the derivative vehicles, exports and deployment. The recommended bibliography concludes this work, which is the result of many years of research and collaboration with several armed forces and the most important Italian companies in the defence industry.

Cristini, Luca (Hrsg.): The Weapons Encyclopedia. Tank, Aircraft, AFV, Ship, Artillery, Vehicles, Secret Weapons. Special Album. Volume 2: Italian Light Tanks WWII 42,95 €

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:40:11 +0200

From the end of the First World War until 1945, Italy designed and used a wide variety of light tanks. Initially, the focus was on developing a vehicle inspired by a French Renault model, which led to the creation of the Fiat 3000. This was followed by the legendary light tanks, often referred to as sardine tins, which culminated in the L6/40. This second special edition, with 120 pages, contains extensive research on the Fiat 3000, CV 33 and L6/40 models, supplemented with previously unpublished material. In addition, the book contains rare, experimental and obscure models such as the CV 29, the CVP-4 and the unusual mobile shield MIAS. As always, the content is supported by a wealth of rare photographs, colour images and over 68 detailed profiles.

Cristini, Luca Stefano (Hrsg.): The Weapons Encyclopedia. Tank, Aircraft, AFV, Ship, Artillery, Vehicles, Secret Weapon. Volume 35: Autoblindo AS42, S37, AS43, AS43 Armoured Car & Lince 24,95 €

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:40:13 +0200

This book is effectively the third chapter in a series dedicated to Italian armoured vehicles used in the Second World War. Following the first volume, which covered the Lancia 1Z and FIAT 611, and the second volume, which focused on the AB 40/41/42/43 models, this edition turns its attention to the remaining vehicles that best illustrate the evolution of the Italian armoured forces. Starting with the Autoblinda AS42, the various models developed from the late 1930s to the end of the war are examined. The "Sahara model" in particular played a decisive role in desert campaigns and in numerous theatres of war, including Africa, Greece, Russia and other fronts. Because of its importance, it is a key element in understanding the technological progress and tactical development of Italian armoured vehicles during the conflict.

Mujzer, Peter: Infantry and artillery weapons of the Hungarian army in WW2. Photos & Images from World Wartime Archives 35,95 €

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 08:40:06 +0200

Volume 64 of the "Witness to War" series. Hungary was one of the losers of the First World War and lost considerable territory, labour and resources. Due to the implementation of the peace treaty, the existing defence industry and armed forces were severely restricted. From the beginning, the defence industry and the armed forces secretly maintained capacities that exceeded the restrictions. The expansion and modernisation of the armed forces began in the early 1930s. Hungary was an agricultural country with limited heavy industry facilities, but it was a solid base for the modernisation and production of infantry weapons and artillery. Initially, this was based on the modernisation of the Austro-Hungarian army's armament dating back to the First World War. Later, licences were acquired and incorporated into production. During the Second World War, Hungarian industry was able to supply the army with all types of small arms and artillery, although not all of them were modern designs. A considerable number of German and captured weapons were also acquired by the Hungarians.

Cristini, Luca (Hrsg.): The Weapons Encyclopedia. Tank, Aircraft, AFV, Ship, Artillery, Vehicles, Secret Weapons. Special Album: Band 1: Italian Semoventi WWII 42,95 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:35:05 +0200

During the Second World War, interest in self-propelled guns - armoured vehicles without turrets but with powerful casemate guns - grew rapidly in several countries, especially in Germany. Italy also began developing these vehicles, initially adapting the M13/40 tank. The first models, which were armed with 75/18 mm guns, quickly proved to be extremely effective. This 120-page special volume brings together all previously published studies on these vehicles and supplements them with newly uncovered content. The book traces the development of self-propelled guns, from the first and most rudimentary prototypes developed after the First World War to the most advanced and powerful models. It contains detailed examinations of over 132 different designs, accompanied by numerous rare images, vivid colour photographs and more than 53 carefully crafted profiles.

d'Alessandro, Giovanni/Tallillo, Antinio: Irrompo e travolgo. Storia del ci battaglione carri (1941-1964) 39,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:25:24 +0200

From 1955 to 1964, a small armoured division, one of the few autonomous units created a few years earlier to support certain army corps, served in barracks not far from the centre of Verona. The Verona IK battalion was the ideal successor to the IK with French R 35 tanks that had fought in Sicily. This book offers both a detailed history of the IK, accompanied by numerous previously unpublished photos from the drawers of several veterans, and a series of details and episodes from operational life that add a human touch to a purely technical account. The vehicles used by the department are covered both with some descriptions for the uninitiated and with technical data sheets, also peppered with previously unpublished photos. For modellers, an in-depth study of the colour scheme and markings of the division's armoured vehicles has been prepared, as well as a series of 1/35th scale models that wore the IK's colours during various periods of service. The whole is accompanied by the illustrated plates by Ruggero Calò. Figurinists will not miss out either, as they will find a precise description of the almost elegant uniforms of the time and can be inspired by the always appealing colour plates by Pietro Compagni.

Ledwoch, Janusz: M13/40, M13/41 17,95 €

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:55:07 +0200

Development, technology, variants and use of the Italian M13/40 and M13/41 battle tanks from the Second World War.

Crippa, Paolo: Italian armoured units in France during the Second world war. Photos & Images from World Wartime Archives 21,95 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:35:05 +0200

During the Second World War, the contribution of the armoured units of the Italian army on the French front was rather marginal and for this reason was never studied organically. However, the use of tanks in the first days of the conflict in the Alps should have given the Italian command important food for thought, as serious difficulties immediately emerged both in the deployment of the tanks used, which proved to be completely inadequate, and in the tactics of the armoured units, signs that were completely ignored and led to the continuation of the same mistakes in the subsequent phases of the conflict. After this early interlude, it was not until November 1942 that the armoured units were sent to France to guard the coasts of southern France and Corsica, with the mission of guarding an occupied country, and were consequently never used in combat. However, the armistice of 8 September 1943 marked a turning point: while the units stationed in southern France did not take part in the fighting and returned to Italy, the armoured units stationed in Corsica responded to German attempts to capture key points on the island and fought for days against their former ally, ending with the Germans abandoning Corsica.

Ledwoch, Janusz: M11/39 Fiat 3000 17,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:35:09 +0200

Development, technology, variants and service of the Italian tank M11/39 Fiat 3000 of WW II.

Cristini, Luca Stefano (Hrsg.): The Weapons Encyclopedia. Tank, Aircraft, AFV, Ship, Artillery, Vehicles, Secret Weapon. Volume 27: Italian Autoblindo AB40/41/42/43 24,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:25:24 +0200

The Italian Army was among the first armies to use armored cars, as early as 1912. With the FIAT Arsenal, it held armored cars in high regard for their role as long-range reconnaissance vehicles for armored divisions and as support for infantry actions. After the glorious FIAT 611 and the Lancia 1ZM, the Italian Army needed a new machine suited to the times. Thus was born the Fiat-Ansaldo armored car series ready for the Second World War, used in particular in reconnaissance units: it saw extensive use during the North African campaign and, in general, appeared in almost all theaters of war in which Italy fought. It was mainly supplied in the three versions AB40, AB41 and AB43, which were gradually improved especially in their offensive equipment.

Cristini, Luca Stefano (Hrsg.): Weapons Encyclopedia. Tank, Aircraft, AFV, Ship, Artillery, Vehicles, Secret Weapon. Band 24: Italian Artillery 1914-1945. Volume 3: 47/32, 20/65, 75/32, 75/46, 90/53, 149/40, 149/19, 210/22, Tractors. Part 3 24,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:25:24 +0200

After the first two volumes on Italian artillery, devoted to the study and analysis of artillery pieces inherited from the First World War, both domestically produced and sources of wartime prey (typically Austro-Hungarian) following the victory in 1915-18; in this third and final part we will treat and complete our work on Italian artilleries of the first fifty years of the twentieth century, dealing mainly with the more modernly designed pieces conceived from the second half of the 1930s. The criterion used will still be that already used of the caliber to grow, so from light pieces onwards. At the end of the volume there will be the third part devoted to tractors, which in doing so will be distributed in various ways throughout the three volumes but always in chronological order.

Cristini, Luca Stefano (Hrsg.): The Weapons Encyclopedia. Tank, Aircraft, AFV, Ship, Artillery, Vehicles, Secret Weapon. Volume 23: Fiat 3000 & Fiat 2000 17,47 €

Wed, 13 May 2026 07:00:11 +0200

The Fiat 3000 was an important vehicle in the armament of the Italian army, which was put into service after the First World War. Produced in two versions, the 1921 model and the 1930 model, the light armoured vehicle was indispensable for Italian armoured units until the 1930s. Originally based on the French Renault FT, it featured significant improvements such as a more powerful engine and an optimised interior. The Fiat 3000 represents an important chapter in the history of the Italian army, as it was one of the first tanks to be used on a significant scale after the First World War, allowing Italian crews to gain experience in handling tanks and thus prepare for future challenges on the battlefield. There is also a chapter on the Fiat 2000.

Cristini, Luca Stefano (Hrsg.): The Weapons Encyclopedia. Tank, Aircraft, AFV, Ship, Artillery, Vehicles, Secret Weapon. Band 20: Italian Semoventi. Teil 2: 75/34-754/46-90/53-105/25-149/40 27,95 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:30:07 +0200

In this second volume, the author completes the history of self-propelled vehicles in force in the Italian army, both that of the Kingdom and that of the Italian Social Republic after 1943. After the great success of the 75/18 presented in the first volume, he then deals with its older brothers, namely the 75/34 already partly present in the first volume, its variant, the 75/46. Next, the famous "Bassotto" i.e., the self-propelled 105/25, perhaps the most powerful vehicle in the Italian arsenal, to conclude with two strange vehicles: the 90/53 with rear shielding, and the modern 149/40, a real tank-mounted gun, made only in one prototype.