This auction is for a copy of "Faccetta Nera, Soldatini Italiani in Cartapesta 1936-1945" (The English translation is not accurate, I think the Italian is more of a colloqualism or phrase. I think the basic idea is "Black Soldiers made in composition"). Figures are Chialu, Celloplaston, V.LO., Fontanini, Xiloplastoc, and some other makes as well (the underside of the bases is shown in the photo's. Hard cover, illustrated cover, published in 1994. About 42 pages. Apparently a small print run, back title page has "Copia esemplare N. " and then a hand inked 641.

All of the text is in Italian (the author did another Chialu book a few years later, and that one had Italian and English text). Included with this book are two copies of a translation of the introduction to the book, which is basically the only text the book has). The text is kind of sweet, the author was waxing nostalgic about his youth when he played with these. There is some good info, there is also some prose, "A soft song was passing through them like a fever."  Not your usual toy soldier book text, but pleasantly heartfelt none the less. 

Masses of figures are set up in dioramas, such as ground troops shooting at an airplane, camel corps, and sometimes just laid out in a row like a typical soldier book. Paper is a very heavy stock, thicker than typical book like this. Please see my other auctions and my eBay store for vintage German and other metal animal figures, figural desk items by Heyde and other makers, vintage toy soldiers, tin and windup toys, steam engines and accessories, and vintage and out of print books on old toys. 

Taxes: eBay now automatically adds sales tax to your cost for items going to states that require it. 

Payment: I accept all the payment methods that eBay offers. Payment is due within four days from the end of the auction.  If your payment is not received within this time period the eBay automated sales tool takes over and starts hounding you. 

Shipping:  My auctions end on Saturday. If you pay by 5:00 E.S.T. on Sunday I'll have them in the mail on Monday. Payments made later in the week or purchases made from my store are shipped as soon as I can get to the Post Office, but that can take several days  and may not happen until the next Monday. I combine shipping on all purchases made and paid for at the same time (unless you're combining a book and toys as books use inexpensive media mail in the U.S. while toys can't).  I use First Class (up to 16 oz) and Priority mail. Books ship media mail. I only charge actual postage - no added fees. I use lots of bubble wrap, peanuts, and good boxes. In a group of multiple pieces each item is wrapped individually. Original boxes or other original paper item go into a plastic bag in case you get delivery on a rainy day.

International Shipping: I ship international.

Return Policy: Returns are accepted. I use a loupe to examine the toys while I'm listing them and I try and mention the significant condition issues I see. I value my eBay reputation and I'm not knowingly going to put out false or misleading info on a toy. I leave feedback so please do the same. If there is any problem with the item contact me first before leaving feedback, and we’ll work it out.