Description:

ITALIAN PRESENTATION DAGGER WITH HANGER AND CASE
A fine presentation dagger, an Italian M37 dagger worn by officers of the National Fascist Party along with its fitted case. This dagger was presented to ACHILLE STARACE (1889-1945), commandante of the G.I.L., who would have received the dagger directly from the hands of Benito Mussolini. The dagger is 7.75 in. blade, 12 in. overall, steel and white celluloid grip fastened by screws with the 'fasces' symbol of the Italian Fascist Party on one side, bearing an eagle-head shaped pommel and one curved quillon. The grip is engraved with the words 'Il Commandante Generale Della G.I.L.' ('The Commanding General of the G.I.L'). The blade is in very fine condition with no dents and retaining much of its original shine, and is unmarked. Accompanied by its fine black metal and brass scabbard in near fine condition. Also present is the appropriate black leather and brass hanger, constructed of two conjoining clasps and featuring a large eagle at the top and cursive letter 'M' [for ‘Mussolini']. Both items are housed within a black leather presentation case featuring the seal of the Fascist Party and marked by Italian maker 'Ventrella Gioelleria' in Rome. A minor expert repair has been effected to the hinge side of the case. Overall very good to fine. The 'G.I.L.' or 'Gioventu Italiana del Littorio' was the consolidated Youth Movement of the Italian Fascist party first established in 1937, akin to the Hitler Youth organization in Germany. It was created to supervise and influence the minds of all youths, training them as 'the fascists of tomorrow.' Members above the age of 18 were called to fight in the Royal Army when World War II began. From a collection of items consigned to us by the estate of a four-star American general who participated in the liberation of Germany.

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December 7, 2021 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000