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C015860 ITALIAN M.V.S.N. SERGEANT'S TUNIC.
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.PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The tunic features four exterior pockets, a four-button single-breasted front closure, an open neck, lay-down collar and upswept peak lapels. The larger buttons to the front closure, and the smaller buttons to the pockets and shoulder straps, are all in medium brown bakelite, some of the larger buttons may have been repaired or replaced and the lower right pocket button is missing. The pleated patch breast and hip pockets each have straight-edged button-down flaps. Above the left breast pocket is a hand stitched 11/2" by 1/2" one place War Commemorative Medal 1940-43 ribbon bar which has significantly faded. A silver-colored alloy fasces is mounted to each of the typical Italian "flame" collar tabs, in black wool with orange backing, machine stitched to each collar. The sewn-on shoulder straps are of the same material as the tunic. Silver rank chevrons are machine stitched to each upper arm indicating the rank of Primo capo squadra, which is equivalent to Sergeant-major in the army. A vertical tail skirt vent is to the reverse. The interior is fully lined in grey rayon and has a vertical slash pocket to the left breast. The sleeves are lined with a white pinstriped material. The exterior of the tunic is in excellent condition although there are some seams to the interior that have separated , the manufacturers label has been removed and there is a small tear to the inside of the collar. Bottom front closer button is missing. The tunic comes with its original, separate, grey-green, wool/rayon blend waist belt with metal sliding length adjustment buckle. Very nice tunic.
GRADE **** PRICE $749.00
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