I have that book and my overwhelming impression was how many Bodeos were shown, and how few automatic pistols. I'd have to dig it out to look at 201 but suspect comment is correct.I don't have a scanner, but in Uniforms & Equipment of the Italian Armed Forces in World War I, by Dr. Spencer Anthony Coil, on page 201 there is a photo showing a soldier with what I think is 1915 Beretta. I think he's a sergeant.
That book is worth picking up for the volume of WW1 pictures that it has (it's a photo study), but you need to be skeptical of the captions, and some of the stuff is probably prewar or postwar.
You are correct that most of the photos of pistols in that book are revolvers. But, I'm pretty sure this particular picture shows a beretta -- I'm just not that familiar with the beretta pistol and would like someone to confirm it for me.I have that book and my overwhelming impression was how many Bodeos were shown, and how few automatic pistols. I'd have to dig it out to look at 201 but suspect comment is correct.
Subsequent comment about these books misidentifying weapons is true as well, although I think the book on the Vol I Central Powers (Austria and Bulgaria) consistently misidentifies the Mannlicher 95 straight pull rifles.
I have 4 of these books and do enjoy them but buy them heavily discounted (often used) and in general think the photos are too small to see much detail: but maybe it's my eyes. I wish the color sections in the back was more extensive but there are often odd personal things. Seldom if ever do they cover weapons at the back of the books I've seen.