Italian MVSN Officer’s Chain Dagger 1936 – D1014
Offering a fantastic example of a war time Fascist chain dagger worn by Italian leaders who served under the ruthless dictator Mussolini. It starts out with an excellent hilt assembly comprised of a fine aluminum as well as Bakelite grip plates. The exquisite black inserts have been neatly trimmed and fit with precision, both obverse and reverse sides. The material is in fine shape, void of any chips, scrapes, cracks or missing material, and are securely screwed tight to the spine of the blade. Centered in the obverse plate is the fasces emblem which is shown as a bundle of wooden rods and an axe, the ancient symbol representing “power and jurisdiction”. The brass emblem displays wonder detail, as well as gilded finish. The rest of the art deco aluminum eagle head hilt is nice and smooth throughout. Wrapped around the lower section of this grip is a fine looking original black portapee. Certainly a nice accoutrement which is usually absent from these fascist daggers whenever offered.
A wonderful scabbard accompanies this WWII era Italian officer’s dagger. It remains straight, void of any bumps, hits, dings, or splits. The period factory original black enamel is about as nice as it gets, rating 98%. Though the lower chape shows some loss of gilding exposing the underlying brass base metal, the toning nicely matches that of the hanger assembly and scabbard throat. The chain is complete with both clips, the proper 11 ringlets / connectors, and stylistic eagle SPQR clip connected to a large letter M. Those 4 letters representing “ the senate and people of Rome”, with the M for their leader Mussolini.
Lastly the blade. A couple specks of surface oxidation in the riccasso area where the wood runners must have trapped some moisture is about it. The rest of it is drop dead stone mint.
A super nice fascist Italian officer chain dagger, complete with knot and chain assembly. Reportedly purchased out of Predappio Italy, the small town and birth place of il Duce, the leader Mussolini. SOLD