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Title Blackshirt Militia officer's dirk
Nationality Italian
Period c 1930
Sold

This is the classic officer's dirk of Mussolini's private army. Many of these pieces, and the other ranks version, were captured in North Africa by the British as Fascist militia units served in the field with the armed forces. Not quite as obviously stylish as the German variety, but certainly with a great element of Italian panache!

90% original black paintwork remains, with some spider rusting evident throughout, but, carefully waxed, this should not present a problem from a conservation point of view. Nearly mint nickel silver blade, no maker's marks (as is standard with these weapons) and some traces of gilding remaining to the scabbard mounts and hanging chains. Note: SPQR motif on hanging strap clip, short for 'Senatus Populusque Romanus' for the Senate and People of Rome, Mussolini's idea of evoking imperial Roman might! The grip is polished aluminium with black plastic and gilt inset fasces to one side.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Edged Weapons : Dirks : Italian : 20th Century]

testimonials

Many thanks, badge was awaiting my return today. Pleasure dealing with you again. I'll be back again.

P B, UK, 20.02.2008

Found the item a little on the expensive side and a bit disappointed that you were unwilling to bend a bit on the price of the Officer's Tunic Eagle (half the fun of buying, after all, is the haggling), but impressed by the speed of delivery and the quality of the item. Was well worth it in the long run...

G F, UK, 30.08.2005

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