Italy

Circa 1940. Finely embroidered silk banner, in the center the crowned eagle with the “Flaming Grenade,” the bugle and crossed rifles, below in the scroll the motto “Nec Recisa Recedit”. Dimensions approximately 27 x 31 cm. Condition 2.

Lightweight tropical field tunic, called “Saharina”, manufactured 1941. Made from very light cotton fabric, 4 applied breast pockets, button placket with 5 brown Bakelite buttons, complete with all insignia. On the collar with applied golden stars, shoulder boards of woven silver brocade with hand-embroidered crowned national eagle in gold and 4 golden rank stars on red cloth backing as Marshal of Italy, silver shoulder buttons, shoulder boards with loops. Sewn onto the chest are Graziani's decorations: the top row with 3 embroidered crowns with crossed swords as insignia for 3-time promotion for war merit. Below in 3 rows the ribbons of 15 (!) decorations: 1. Military Order of Savoy Grand Cross, 2. and 3. 2 Silver Medals for Military Valor “Al Valore Militare”, 4. and 5. 2 Bronze Medals for Military Valor “Al Valore Militare”, 6. Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus Grand Cross, 7. Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus Golden Medal of Honor for 50 Years of Service, so-called “Medaglia Mauriziana”, 8. Order of the Crown of Italy Grand Cross, 9. Bronze Medal “Lungo Comando”, 10. Libya Campaign Medal 1911-1912, 11. Officer Service Decoration Cross for 40 Years, 12. Colonial Order of the Star of Italy Grand Cross, 13. War Commemorative Medal 1915-1918 for 4 Years, 14. Commemorative Medal “Unità d'Italia 1848-1918”, 15. Ethiopia Campaign Medal for Combatants. On the right upper arm with 4 hand-embroidered golden stripes for 4-time wounding in war. Inside with woven tailor's label “Unione Militare sede di Roma”, with handwritten wearer designation “SE Maresciallo d'Italia R. Graziani, Data 16-9-41”. At the waist left and right with sewn loops for the missing cloth belt. Together with matching long tropical trousers, the fabric somewhat lighter. 
The field tunic and trousers are clearly worn and show typical wear and aging signs. A very beautiful photo can be found on the internet of Marshal Graziani during a visit by Generalfeldmarschall Kesselring, in which Graziani is wearing exactly this uniform!
In addition, a large gift bracelet from the Askari combat group “Banda Allopiano” of the II. Corpo Armata (Army Corps) to Marshal Graziani as a memento of the anniversary of the conquest of Adua, Ethiopia Campaign, 1936: Large hinged silver bracelet, hollow worked and decorated in typical North African style, front with enameled plate, hand-painted: a charging Askari before the Adua monument. On the inside with dedication engraving “Al Vincere de Etiopia Rudolfo Graziani nell aniverario della riconquista di Adua G'le Ascari fedeli del gruppo 'Banda Allopiano' del II C.A. Ottobre 1936 - XIV.” (English = To the Victor over Ethiopia Rudolfo Graziani on the anniversary of the reconquest of Adua - the faithful G'le Ascari of the “Banda Allopiano” Group of the II. Army Corps October 1936 – XIV. (the 15th year according to Fascist calendar)). Complete in blue presentation case, on the lid with initials “R. G.” printed in gold. Slight signs of use and age, condition 2.
Price upon request:

A historically significant ensemble of museum importance from the estate of arguably the most significant Marshal of Italy Rudolfo Graziani, on the German side comparable only to Generalfeldmarschall Rommel.

Ex collection Dott. Spada, Italy.

Marshal Rodolfo Graziani, Marquis of Neghelli (* August 11, 1882 in Filettino, Province of Frosinone; † January 11, 1955 in Rome) was a leading Italian military officer and politician during the rule of Italian Fascism. Graziani gained notoriety for his role in the Second Italo-Libyan War (1922-1932). Having arrived in Libya as the youngest colonel of the Italian Army in October 1921, Graziani received the main credit for the conquest of Tripolitania and in 1929/30 also for the occupation of Fezzan. As a counter-guerrilla specialist, he modernized the methods of desert warfare and relied not only on rapidly advancing units with armored vehicles supported from the air, but also on unbridled brutality. Notorious for his fascist adherence to principles, Graziani earned a reputation as the “Butcher of Arabs” and repeatedly ordered mass executions. After being appointed by Mussolini as Vice Governor of Cyrenaica in spring 1930, Graziani set about the “pacification” of this Libyan region according to his proven pattern. In a letter to Governor-General Pietro Badoglio, he compared the situation in the troubled region to an “abscess” that must be ruthlessly cut out so that the infected body could heal again. He became Vice Governor (1930-1934), after which he was briefly Governor of Italian Somaliland (1935-1936) and as such Commander-in-Chief of the southern invasion troops during the Italian war of aggression against the Empire of Abyssinia. The units commanded by Graziani systematically and comprehensively deployed poison gas. During his subsequent term as Viceroy of Italian East Africa, Graziani established an occupation regime based on terror. As Governor-General of Italian Libya (1940-1941), Graziani directed the failed invasion of Egypt after Fascist Italy's entry into World War II, whereby he fell out of favor with Mussolini. Only after the fall of the Mussolini regime and the founding of the Fascist Republic of Salò (R.S.I.) did Graziani serve under the Duce as its Minister of Defense (1943-1945) and supported the troops of the German Wehrmacht firmly on the side of the Repubblica Sociale Italiana. From his headquarters he commanded the Italian units fighting on the German side until the Allies had occupied large parts of Northern Italy and resistance was hardly possible. Despite the hopeless situation, he did not consider capitulation until the very end, but continued to have deserters executed. On April 29, 1945, one day after Mussolini had been shot by partisans, Graziani surrendered to U.S. troops in Milan. On the same day, as Marshal of Italy, together with SS-Obergruppenführer and General of the Waffen-SS Karl Wolff as “Plenipotentiary General of the German Wehrmacht in Italy”, he signed the Armistice of Caserta, whereby the capitulation of all German and republican Italian forces in the north of the country became effective in the night of May 2 to 3, 1945.

Made of red felt, with blue tassel, size approximately 56. Condition 2.

Hand-embroidered execution. Condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 18 x 13 cm, condition 2.

Approx. 55 pieces, 5 negatives. Condition 2.

Multiple green painted helmet shell. Interior with beige leather liner, green leather chinstrap. Heavily worn, condition 3-

Dimensions approx. 24 x 18 cm, condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 24 x 18 cm, condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 24 x 18 cm, torn, condition 2.

Black silk fabric with gold braid interwoven, overall length approximately 92 cm, with head of Medusa as metal appliqué and the Italian eagle with crown and shield of Savoy. The cartridge box has gilt fittings and the applied artillery insignia. Sword hanger with blue accents. Condition 2.
Includes a box, the box is damaged, condition 3.

Dimensions approx. 51 x 38 cm. Creased, condition 2-.

Made of red and white cloth, with 2 tassels, worn condition, Condition 2.

Parade helmet in black lacquered light metal construction. On the front, the emblem for generals of the M.V.S.N.: the large golden eagle of state standing on the fasces, hand-painted in gold of particularly fine quality.

Original black felt inner liner on aluminum frame, chin strap of black patent leather. Inside the helmet shell with scratched owner’s initials “B M”. Only minimally worn, condition 2+.

The Fascist Militia M.V.S.N. (Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale) was the elite unit of the Fascist Party of Italy (P.N.F.).

In this elegant parade version, a very rare helmet.

Dimensions approx. 23.5 x 16 cm, condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 23.5 x 16 cm, condition 2.

Dimensions approximately 18 x 13 cm, condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 18 x 13 cm, creased, condition 2.

Green painted helmet shell, front with stenciled ancient Greek lettering, the upper symbol is difficult to interpret, interior brown leather liner, with gray leather chinstrap, at the nape with English name “Hu?gins”, the steel helmet was presumably repurposed after the war in an American fraternity, as evidenced by the ancient Greek letters and the English name, size approx. 56, worn condition.

Dimensions approx. 22.5 x 13.5 cm, Condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 17.5 x 12.5 cm, creased, condition 2.

Post-1945, approx. 28 photographs, Condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 23.5 x 17 cm, condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 24 x 18 cm, condition 2.

The uniform made of field-gray cloth, consisting of service tunic and trousers. All buttons present, the rank insignia in hand-embroidered metallic thread execution on the cuff facings of both sleeves. On the collar the collar patches on black cloth of the 25th Infantry Division Bologna. On the left breast loops for a pin-on badge, above which 14 ribbon bars, one gold star on a ribbon bar is missing. Interior with gray silk lining. Measurements: shoulder width approx. 46 cm, outer sleeve length approx. 61 cm, overall length approx. 75 cm. Stained, condition 2.
Field-gray riding breeches without maker's marking, with black piping, all buttons present, interior of white cloth. Measurements: waist circumference approx. 86 cm, overall length approx. 93 cm. Small hole at front button placket, condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 21 x 16.5 cm, condition 2.

Dimensions approximately 23 x 17 cm, condition 2.

Dimensions approximately 17.5 x 11.5 cm. Creased, condition 2.

Field gray wool, interior with black leather sweatband, herringbone twill fabric and maker marking, size approximately 54.5 cm. Condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 23 x 17 cm, condition 2.

2 photographs, dimensions approx. 22.5 x 16.5 cm, condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 22 x 16 cm, condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 24 x 18 cm, creased, condition 2.

circa 1942. Brass sleeve shield, stamped and color-lacquered, for sewing on, condition 2.

Dimensions approximately 21 x 16.5 cm, Condition 2.

Dimensions approximately 23.5 x 16 cm, condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 24 x 18 cm, condition 2.

Circa 1916. Height approx. 43.5 cm, width 24.5 cm. Condition 2.

circa 1943/44. Elegant field tunic in field-gray cloth with open collar, button placket with 4 buttons, complete with all insignia. On the collar the special collar patches for generals of the R.S.I. in silver waffle-weave cloth with gold hand-embroidered border on red cloth backing, in the center the gilt appliqués with sword in oak leaf wreath on red cloth backing. The shoulder boards also on red waffle-weave cloth with gold hand-embroidered border and red cloth backing, each with 2 hand-embroidered gold general's stars with red border. The buttons of green bakelite, on the chest loops for a long medal bar and 1 pin-on badge. Interior with green lining. Together with matching breeches. Only lightly worn, condition 2+.
Price on request:

An original general's uniform of the R.S.I. is extremely rare; we are not aware of any other example. Ex-collection Dott. Antonio Spada, Italy.

The Italian Social Republic (official German translation of Repubblica Sociale Italiana, RSI), also known as the Social Republic of Italy, was a fascist state in Northern Italy under the leadership of Duce Benito Mussolini. The state was under the military protection of the German Reich and was territorially limited to the German occupation zone. The state existed between September 23, 1943 and April 25, 1945.

Dimensions approx. 22.5 x 14.8 cm, condition 2.

2 pieces, dimensions approximately 30 x 24 cm. Condition 2.

 Condition 2.

Embossed brass sheet. Worn condition, Condition 2.

Visor cap made of black cloth with bordeaux red piping, national eagle made of gold-plated non-ferrous metal, cap band with woven pattern. Interior with brown leather sweatband, silk lining and celluloid diamond. Size approximately 52. Condition 2.

The uniform in field-gray cloth of a “generale designato d'armata”, consisting of service tunic and trousers. The rank insignia in wartime execution embroidered in white on field-gray on the cuff patches of both sleeves. Original plastic buttons with manufacturer's logo on the reverse. Brass stars on the collar patches. Two gold wound stripes on the right sleeve. Gold-embroidered badge on the left sleeve indicating service with the Arditi in World War I. 4-row medal bar with 12 decorations. Above it an applied crown with swords for a field promotion. Inside at the neck with manufacturer's label “Unione Nationale”. The field-gray trousers without manufacturer's label, but the medal buckles are marked “UNIONE NATIONALE”, as are the buttons on the trouser fly. The calves of the trousers with lacing. The trousers have a small tear at the right pocket.
A worn uniform in good untouched original condition.

Cork construction covered with sand-colored linen, with ventilation grilles, chinstrap present, interior with brown sweatband leather, size marked 58. Stained, ventilation grilles partially corroded, condition 2.

so-called “Bustina”. Cloth cap made of light field-gray wool, front with hand-embroidered metal thread general's insignia on red cloth, side with rank insignia as Major General of a Brigade with golden star on special silver braid with red cloth backing. Interior with gray sweatband and brown lining, size approximately 56. Worn, condition 2.

Pre-printed form in Italian, with postal cancellation dated March 24, 1944, reverse side with field post number 84572/c = (March 20, 1944) Staff and Unit Italian Division Signal Battalion 3.

The Italian Social Republic (official German translation of Repubblica Sociale Italiana, RSI), also Social Republic of Italy, was a fascist state in Northern Italy under the leadership of Duce Benito Mussolini. The state was under the military protection of the German Reich and was territorially limited to the German occupation zone. The state existed between September 23, 1943 and April 25, 1945.

Second prize in pistol shooting competition of the grand naval marksmanship contest at the naval base in La Spezia on May 20, 1912.  Large silver-plated handled bowl, with handles on the sides in the form of fish, diameter 23 cm, height 21 cm. Engraved on the obverse with the crowned Italian eagle before anchor with inscription “Regia Marina Gara di Tiro con la Pistola - II. Premio - La Spezia, 20. Maggio 1912”. Undamaged, with fine patina, condition 2.

Steel helmet Model Adrian. Olive-brown paint finish, regiment number applied to front. Complete interior with original leather liner and chin strap. Size 55. Worn example. Condition 2.

Dimensions approximately 15 x 10 cm. Condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 24 x 18 cm, condition 2.

Tunic: Black cloth with red piping, all buttons present, on the left breast 2 ribbon bars and 2 loops for a pinned cross, collar and cuff flaps of black velvet, gilt epaulettes with bullion. Interior black silk lining, with maker's label “V. launna & Co., Palermo”. Measurements: shoulder width approx. 44 cm, outer sleeve length approx. 63 cm, overall length approx. 68 cm.
Trousers: Black cloth, with all buttons. Measurements: waist circumference approx. 92 cm, overall length approx. 105 cm. Moth damage, slightly stained.
Accompanied by 1 pair of white gloves and a light blue parade sash. Condition 2.

Dimensions approx. 17 x 11.5 cm. Condition 2.

Black silk fabric, interwoven with gold braid, overall length approx. 94 cm, metal appliqué “EV” (Victor Emmanuel) and the Italian eagle with crown bearing the shield of Savoy. Cartridge box with metal fittings and applied eagle. The arrows on the shield are loose. Condition 2.

11.5 x 17 cm, Condition 2

Silverware, length approx. 20 cm, reverse with maker's mark “F. Broggi”. Condition 2.

white crown, cap badge hand-embroidered in gold/silver on golden-yellow background for the Finance Service, cap band with woven pattern (oak leaf wreath), interior with celluloid lining bearing maker “Unione Militare Roma”, gray leather sweatband, worn condition, size approx. 54, condition 2-

Dimensions approx. 18 x 13 cm, condition 2.