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C008758 ITALIAN INFANTRY 2ND LIEUTENANT'S VISOR CAP.
BACKGROUND:
In March 1919 Benito Mussolini established the, Fascio di Combattimento, (Union of Combatants), political party in Milan and fascism was born in Italy. Shortly afterwards the FdC adopted the black shirts that the anarchist laborers of the Romagna region of Italy had worn previously. Mussolini was first elected as a member of the Chamber of Deputies in the general election of 1921. In a fortunate set of circumstances, due to a general strike, economic chaos and a dissatisfied populace, Mussolini was able to depose Premier Luigi Facta and was appointed as Premier by King Victor Emmanuel III following the infamous "March on Rome", on October 28TH 1922. Now with Mussolini’s Partito Nazionale Fascita, (National Fascist Party), firmly in control the black shirts were to become ubiquitous through-out Italy. A decree of February 1ST 1923 reorganized the fascist militia and introduced a new designation, MVSN, Milizia Volontaria Sicurezza Nazionale, (Volunteer National Security Militia). On July 25TH 1943 the Grand Council and King Victor Emmanuel accepted Mussolini’s "resignation", and had him imprisoned which resulted in the Italians conceding to unconditional surrender on September 8TH 1943 bringing an end to Mussolini’s fascist rule. The Fascist Grand Council was the supreme constitutional authority in Italy from 1922 until Mussolini’s arrest in September 1943. The Italian army had originally adopted a grey-green uniform in 1909 which remained in use until it underwent modifications in 1925. The 1925 uniform underwent further modifications in 1933 and again in 1935 and remained basically unchanged through-out WWII. Generally EM/NCO personnel were issued with pantaloons with puttees or long wool socks and ankle boots while officers wore breeches with the tall boots. The "C.S.I.R." (Corpo di spedizione Italiano in Russia (Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia)) was created on the 10th of July, 1941and arrived for service in Russia at the end of July 1941 and was initially under the control of the German 11th Army commanded by Generaloberst Eugen Ritter von Schobert. The initial strength consisted of 59,000 men, with 3,000 officers, 5,500 motor vehicles and over 4,000 horses and mules. Part of the "C.S.I.R." contingent was the 52nd Torino Semi-Motorized Infantry Division which consisted of the 81st and 82nd Torino Infantry Regiments and the 52 Artillery Regiment.PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A grey, wool/rayon, gabardine weave cap with a rank insignia consisting of one, single width, gilt tress, around the centerband, signifying rank of 2ND Lieutenant. The cap is in the so-called "German Style" with a shape more influenced by the German "Crusher" cap than by the boxy traditional Italian style. A large, hand embroidered Infantry insignia, in gilt wire, which consists of a crown above crossed rifles, with central black rayon, circular base with metal regimental number "81". The gilt wire shows minor age tarnish. The black patent finished visor still retains all of its reinforced edging material and stitching, and is medium green to its underside. The cap has its original black patent leather chinstrap, with dual adjustment sliders, fixed by gilt-washed alloy buttons, with embossed Infantry insignia of crown above crossed rifles. The light brown leather sweatband is fully intact but some of its stitching is starting to separate. There is a paper size tag attached to the underside at the rear of the sweat band with the hand written number "56 1/2". The cap is fully lined in ribbed, gold, artificial silk, with a diamond shaped, paper, makers label stitched to the center of the crown with blue text "Sartoria Militare"(Military Dressmaker's), "Civil E Forniture" (Civil And Supplies), "VIA XXIV Maggio 7p.p.", "Roma.", "Telefono 65407" and to the center "A.S.S.A." and above that is the makers mark which is the stylized letters "ASSA". The cap in overall very good condition with some minor age toning some scuff marks to the visor and a small tear to one of the sliders on the chinstrap.
GRADE**** PRICE $352.00
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