Original Item: Only One Available. The Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza NSDAPonale (MVSN, "Voluntary Militia for National Security"), commonly called the Blackshirts, was originally the paramilitary wing of the National Fascist Party and, after 1923, an all-volunteer militia of the Kingdom of Italy under Fascist rule. Its members were distinguished by their black uniforms (modeled on those of the Arditi, Italy's elite troops of World War I) and their loyalty to Benito Mussolini, the Duce (leader) of Fascism, to whom they swore an oath. The founders of the paramilitary groups were nationalist intellectuals, former army officers and young landowners opposing peasants' and country laborers' unions. Their methods became harsher as Mussolini's power grew, and they used violence and intimidation against Mussolini's opponents. In 1943, following the fall of the Fascist regime, the MVSN was integrated into the Royal Italian Army and disbanded.

This type of MVSN dagger was a mostly ceremonial item, worn by members of the Blackshirts as a symbol of authority, much as the SA in Germany did. The dagger measures 12 inches overall, with a 7 3/4 inch nickel-plated blade. The blade does have a sharp edge on the bottom, so it definitely could be used, but they rarely were, as "Pugio" daggers were much more up to the task. The blade exhibits light wear and minor pitting on the ricasso, in addition to some light specks of oxidation. There is very little runner wear from the scabbard, and all of the wear seems to be from storage.

The eagle's head shaped handle is fabricated from aluminum and has a small quillon/crossguard. The are black plastic plates embedded on either side and held in place by a single brass screw, which screws into the back of a brass Fasces insignia on the other side. The Fasces is a bundle of sticks with an ax head, and is the symbol of the Fascist party in Italy. Most likely the insignia was originally gilt, but that has faded a bit. Also there is corrosion and pitting in the aluminum around the cross guard, probably from long term contact with the leather hanger. We have left it as is to preserve the patina.

The dagger comes complete with its brass-fitted black painted metal scabbard, complete with an attached leather belt hanger. The brass fittings are gilt, which is somewhat faced, and the black enamel paint is about 75% intact, with just some spots of paint loss and some warping on the back.

The leather straps that attach to the scabbard rings are in fine condition, with some crazing and cracking. The top of the hanger below the clip has a brass "M" (M Legion) insignia attached. This hangs below a large brass belt clip with a bronze gilt eagle on the front. The rear of the clip functions, though it definitely shows some oxidation and verdigris from contact with the leather.

The portopee is still wrapped around the hilt and is in good shape overall, and the color appears dark brown or even burgundy, different from the black and gold variant you often see on these.

Offered in very nice collectible condition, these are always hard to find, and this is the first of these that we have offered. Ready to display!

Comes more than ready for display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 7 3/4”
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 12 1/8”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard length: 9 3/8"