Original Item: Only One Available. The "Bustina" field cap was originally introduced in 1933 and was worn by both Army and Fascist militia personnel, with minor variations.

This black wool field cap features fold down side panels are held together over the crown of the cap by hidden stitches. The front visor is in the upright position. To the front is a stamped fascist wheat symbol which has retained much of its color.

The interior is fully lined in a rayon/silk with a wide leather sweatband. The sweatband is embossed with “Classico” which we have not been able to identify, though we believe this to be a Sicily located retailer. Size is approximately US 6 3/4 (54cm).

A lovely example ready for further research and display.

The Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza NSDAPonale (MVSN, "Voluntary Militia for National Security"), commonly called the Blackshirts (Italian: Camicie Nere, CCNN, singular: Camicia Nera) or squadristi (singular: squadrista), was originally the paramilitary wing of the National Fascist Party, known as the Squadrismo, and after 1923 an all-volunteer militia of the Kingdom of Italy under Fascist rule, similar to the SA in NSDAP Germany. Its members were distinguished by their black uniforms (modelled 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 labourers' 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.