This dagger corresponds to the regulation dagger of the M.V.S.N. (Milizia volontaria per la sicurezza nazionale) in the general officer's pattern, but in a special deluxe execution. Instead of the usual wooden grip scales, the white grip is carved from genuine ivory in one piece, with the fascist lictor's fasces carved into an oval laurel wreath on the obverse. The reverse features the same carved cartouche with the inscription "FERT" of the House of Savoy. The crossguard is blued. The bright steel blade bears on the obverse the presentation engraving: "La Divisione / Camice Nere / '23 Marzo'" (= The Division of the CCNN (Blackshirts) "23rd of March"). On the reverse with engraving: "A.S.A.R. il Duca di Pistoia" (A.S.A.R. = A Sua Altezza Reale = To His Royal Highness). On the blade spine with date "A. XIV. E.F." (Anno XIV Epoca Fascista, the 14th year of the Fascist Era is 1936, counted from the fascist seizure of power in 1922). Blued steel scabbard, the mounts showing lictor's fasces and inscription: "M.V.S.N." in gold. Overall length 33 cm. Only minor wear and age traces, in very good condition.
Extremely rare, certainly a unique piece of the highest craftsmanship quality.

Filiberto di Savoia - Genova, Duke of Pistoia (1895 - 1990). The Duke participated in World War I with the 1st Cavalry Regiment "Nizza" and was involved in several engagements at Monfalcone and on the Isonzo. On November 4, 1918, he was among the first to enter the city of Trient with a squadron of his regiment. After the war, his residence was moved to Bozen to strengthen the feeling of national unity among the population. His military career subsequently alternated between Italy and Italian East Africa: 1929: Promotion to Colonel. 1932-1933: Commander of the 232nd Infantry Regiment. 1933-1934: Commander of the 11th Infantry Brigade. 1934: Promotion to Brigadier General. 1935-1937: Commanding General of the 1st CC.NN. Division "23 Marzo" of the MVSN (in Ethiopia). 1936: Promotion to Major General. 1937-1938: General Commander of the 11th Infantry Division "Brenner". 1938-1939: General Commander of the Alpine Troops. 1940: General Commander of the 7th Army. 1942: Inspector of Mobile Troops. His division was the first to raise the flag of the Kingdom of Italy at Amba Aradam, an operation that earned him a Silver Medal "Al Valore Militare" and the Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Savoy.

Beautiful and extremely rare dagger of a divisional commander of the M.V.S.N.

Included is the CITES certificate for sale, import and export under the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, dated March 7, 2023.

430992

Fascist Italy Presentation Dagger of the Fascist Militia M.V.S.N. to General Pistoia, Duke of Savoy, Deluxe Version, 1936

The ceremonial dagger of the Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale (M.V.S.N.) represents a significant symbol of the fascist military organization in interwar Italy. The M.V.S.N., also known as the Camicie Nere (Blackshirts), was founded in 1923 under Benito Mussolini and functioned as a paramilitary organization to secure the fascist regime.

The M.V.S.N. emerged from the transformation of the Squadre d'Azione, the fascist combat units that had played a central role during Mussolini's rise to power. After the March on Rome in 1922 and the fascist seizure of power, this organization was officially institutionalized in 1923 as a Volunteer Militia for National Security. It reported directly to Mussolini in his capacity as head of government and developed into a parallel power structure alongside the regular Italian Army.

The insignia and equipment of the M.V.S.N. were strictly regulated and followed military standards while featuring specific fascist symbolism. The dagger as a piece of equipment had both practical and symbolic significance and was an integral part of the uniform for higher ranks. A special version was designated for M.V.S.N. generals, which differed significantly from the standard models of ordinary militiamen.

The typical design of these daggers included the Fasces (Fascio Littorio), the central symbol of the fascist movement, which dated back to Roman antiquity. The Fascio consisted of a bundle of rods with a protruding axe and symbolized authority and power. For ceremonial daggers for high-ranking officers or as gifts to members of the royal house, precious materials such as ivory, gold, and blued steel were often used.

The connection between the House of Savoy and the fascist militia was complex and tension-filled. The motto “FERT” of the House of Savoy, whose meaning is historically disputed, appears on many military equipment items from this era. King Victor Emmanuel III had to perform a difficult balancing act between maintaining his royal authority and coexisting with the fascist regime. Members of the royal family often served in the regular army but also participated in operations involving M.V.S.N. units.

The “23 Marzo” Division of the Blackshirts took its name from March 23, 1919, the founding date of the fascist movement (Fasci Italiani di Combattimento) in Milan. This date had immense symbolic significance for fascist ideology and was frequently used in designations of military units.

The Ethiopian War of 1935-1936 represented a central moment in the history of the M.V.S.N. Several Blackshirt divisions were dispatched to East Africa to participate in the colonial war of conquest. The Battle of Amba Aradam in February 1936 was one of the most significant engagements of this war, in which Italian forces achieved a decisive victory over Ethiopian forces. The participation of M.V.S.N. divisions in these operations was intended to underscore the military legitimacy of the fascist militia and demonstrate its equality with the regular army.

The fascist calendar, which began with the year of the seizure of power in 1922, was used on official documents and military objects. Year XIV of the fascist era corresponds to 1936, the year of the conquest of Ethiopia and the proclamation of the Italian Empire. This calendar system was part of fascist propaganda intended to mark a new era in Italian history.

Ceremonial daggers and presentation weapons played an important role in fascist Italy's ritual and ceremonial culture. They were awarded on special occasions, such as after successful military operations, to honor merit, or as gifts between high-ranking military officers and members of the political elite. The quality of craftsmanship and the use of precious materials emphasized the status of the recipient and the importance of the occasion.

The use of ivory for handles of presentation weapons had a long tradition in European military history. Ivory was considered a noble material and was particularly used for weapons for generals, admirals, and members of royal houses. The craftsmanship required specialized artisans who were based in the traditional centers of arms production in Italy, particularly in Brescia and Milan.

After World War II and the fall of the fascist regime, objects with fascist symbolism became problematic. Many were destroyed or hidden. Today they are testimonies of a historical era and are preserved in museums and collections as documents of history that enable the study and understanding of the military and political culture of fascist Italy.