Confalonieri stared producing 7cm composition figures similar to Hausser/Elastolin in the 1930's. Product lines included The Italian Army through World War II and all the other principle participants plus personality figures. They also produced a large line of Western figures. In the 1950's the firm was purchased by Luigi Chiappa who renamed the company Chialu. Chialu continued to issue Confalonieri figures now with the distinctive gray colored base. Chialu also released many new figures including soldiers from the American Civil War. They also produced the only figures known from the Korean War and a beautiful series of Roman Gladiators. The company attempted to produce it's figures in plastic during the mid-1960's and after a brief and unsuccessful go at it, ceased production. Like most Italian companies Chialu produced many imaginative and unique poses painted in bright colors. These figures hold an inexplainable charm.
1930's Production Confalonieri Cowboy
Base from Confalonieri figure above
This same figures was later issued under the name Chialu
1950's production Chialu Western Duplex
Two views of typical Chialu Base
Click Here to View Chialu American Civil War Toy Figures
Click Here to View Chialu Roman Gladiators
Click Here to View Chialu Western Indians
Click Here to View Chialu Cowboys
For Reference: "Italian Toy Soldiers: Composition and Plastic Production from 1930 to 1970 " by Edizioni Lazzaro published in 1994.