Fascist Italy

A superb short sword presented in 1932 to senior officers of the Arditi and Squadristi who had participated in the 1922 March on Rome; the presentation marked the 10th anniversary of the event and took place in Milana major center of Fascism and the birthplace of the Fasci di Combattimento. Inspired by the Roman 'gladius', the sword features a heavy bronze hilt with a crossguard bearing the letters "M.V.S.N." (Fascist militia) on both sides, and the inscription "Milano 1932" on the pommel. It has a robust double-edged blade. Length: 46 cm. Extremely rare. Condition: Good to Very Good.

(Comments provided by our consultant on Italian Fascism and its organizations: "Sword of Honor" (Gladio d'Onore) produced in 1932 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Fascist Revolution and the "March on Rome" of October 28, 1922. The MVSNor Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale (Voluntary Militia for National Security)was established on February 1, 1923, under the command of Army General Emilio De Bono. It was organized into 15 zones; the 2nd Zone ("Lombardy") was headquartered in Milan and encompassed the 6th through 27th Legions. This sword of honor presents a mystery, as it bears no manufacturer's mark or issue number. It may have been produced in very limited quantities. However, the MVSN marking on the guard confirms that it was almost certainly awarded to a *Squadrista* (an officer or soldier who participated in the March on Rome). The date1932marks the 10th anniversary of Fascist rule (Anno Dieci, or Year X). The inscription "Milan" recalls that, of the 120,000 men present in Rome on October 28, 1922, many came from Milan, where 'Il Duce' had founded the 'Fasci di Combattimento' (Combat Squads) in 1919groups whose first members were Arditi (elite shock troops). This sword is exceptionally rare, both historically and as a collector's item; it appears in no photographs or written records, which accounts for its evident rarity. It was likely presented to a high-ranking MVSN officer as a memento or mark of distinction. Its total length..." ...48 cm in length, it is reminiscent of the short swords of ancient Rome; it was certainly not intended to be worn with a uniform! It is an exceptionally rare piece, unknown to most major Italian collectors...)