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C027257 ITALIAN M1935 MVSN EM/NCO COMBAT KNIFE.
BACKGROUND:
In March of 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 throughout 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 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 of 1943.PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The EM-NCO’s knife was utilized both as a service and dress weapon. The unsharpened blade measures 8 1/4" by 1 1/8" at its widest and has two edges of different lengths, one 1 5/16" and the other 7 1/16" with a staggered ricasso. The hilt is made from a solid piece of wood and is contoured with 4 finger recesses to one side. The blade is secured to the handle by two rivets that pass though the tang. The slightly curved crossguard and the upper retaining plate on the grip are made of steel. The scabbard is stamped sheet steel, appears to have been unfinished, and is embossed with a fasces over the letters "M.V.S.N." the emblem of the MVSN which was the Fascist Party Militia in Italy at that time (Milizia Voluntaria Sicurezza Nationale). The knife is in good condition with some minor edge damage and surface spotting to the blade with a moderate to heavy patina on the crossguard and upper retaining plate and the handle has age darkened. The scabbard is light to moderately surface spotted, has a couple of usage dents but is in good condition with its riveted on metal belt loop sill intact.
GRADE***1/2 PRICE $762.00
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