June 12-13, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/12/2019
Made for Italy's MVSN "Voluntary Militia for National Security", commonly referred to as the Blackshirts. The Blackshirts were a paramilitary wing of the Italian National Fascist Party who were easily identified by their black uniforms. They used methods of violence and intimidation against many of Mussolini's opponents. In 1940 the MVSN provided Italy with 340,000 first line troops, but were integrated in the Royal Italian Army and disbanded in 1943. This blade is nickel plated and shows the MVSN symbol inlaid on the handle with an eagles head pommel and quillon. The handle is made of aluminum with synthetic plates on either side, which are held in by a single brass screw. Complete with correct scabbard. Hanger is not present. CONDITION: Blade is in excellent condition with only small areas of spotting on either side of the ricasso. Aluminum handle shows small scattered handling marks all around. Synthetic grip plates are in excellent condition. The scabbard is in excellent condition retain 90%+ of its original black painted finish. Paint has minor loss in small areas scattered around scabbard. Finial on drag is missing. Overall this is an excellent example of an Italian Model 1937 Blackshirt's dagger.