RARE 1943 WWII US Army Book Italian Army Provisional Intelligence For Sale

Scarce original World War II U.S. Army intelligence publication:
HANDBOOK ON THE ITALIAN ARMY(Provisional Copy)
May 22, 1943
RESTRICTED
Reproduced by:ARMY MAP SERVICEU.S. ARMYWASHINGTON, D.C.1943
Code: 5/43NP
An exceptional original WWII intelligence reference prepared for U.S. military use shortly before the Allied invasion of Sicily.
This is the early MAY 22, 1943 PROVISIONAL COPY and should not be confused with the later August 1943 "Handbook on the Italian Military Forces," which has been extensively reproduced and reprinted.
The cover and title page carry the wartime RESTRICTED classification, and the cover includes the contemporary warning concerning information affecting the national defense under the Espionage Act.
The handbook contains extensive intelligence on the organization, strength, equipment and capabilities of the wartime Italian Army.
Contents include detailed information on such subjects as:
Italian Army formationsTanks and armored vehiclesEngineers and pioneer unitsBridging unitsWeapons and equipmentUnit strengthsOrganization chartsMilitary tacticsSpecialized unitsMilitary photographsTables and diagrams
The illustrated material includes period intelligence photographs of Italian and foreign-produced armored vehicles as well as detailed organizational charts and equipment tables.
This May 1943 provisional handbook is considerably scarcer than the later August 1943 handbook and subsequent postwar reproductions.
A significant piece of original U.S. Army WWII intelligence material with direct historical relevance to American preparations for operations against Italian forces in the Mediterranean theater.
Original WWII publication — NOT a modern reproduction.
Condition shows age and use including cover staining/discoloration, edge and corner wear, spine wear, age toning and areas of binding separation/loosening as photographed.
Please examine all photographs carefully. The photographs show the exact handbook being offered and are an important part of the description.