Lot 229

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

THE PRESENTATION SWORD THAT WOULD DETERMINE BENITO MUSSOLINI'S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
An extraordinary presentation sword, a superb piece of the silversmith's art given by a Blackshirt legion to Benito Mussolini in 1924. It would soon influence the writing of his doctoral thesis, and his future political philosophy. The 38 1/4" (overall) sword bears an incredibly ornate and massive 7" silver handle. Either side of the handle has a full standing figure of two Roman figures, one a legionnaire holding a gold sword and shield and labeled "VIGOR" on a small brass plate beneath, the other a woman in headdress with two hands resting upon the top of a gold Roman fasci and with the mounted plaque reading, "IUSTIA" ("Justice") beneath. The pommel bears two ornate Italiante eagles flanked by ivy, both topped by a crown with brass or gold trim. The handguard is equally beautiful, bearing additional ivy leaves and a geometric design on top and bottom, with a "figure eight" knot appearing on either side (significance unknown). The handle is marked with the makers' names and date: "MCMXXIII M. DAGNINI DIS. E. SARONNI FEC.". The steel blade bears raised lettering against a gold background: "CUM PAROLE NON SE POSSONO DEFENDERE LI STATI" ("IT IS NOT WITH WORDS THAT ONE MAINTAINS GOVERNMENTS", a quote from Niccolo Machiavelli, author of The Prince. Near the hilt the blade is further engraved with the name of the donors: "LA 68 LEGIONE RIARIO SFORZA" and the edge of the blade is marked by the makers/engravers: S. A. E. GNUTT. LUMEZZANE BRESCIA". The reverse of the sword again bears ivy leaves and vines in relief against a gold background. The sword blade bears some nominal oxidation, while the grip and guard are in excellent condition. Lacking scabbard. The 10th Blackshirt (CCNN) Group, was a Fascist militia brigade headquartered in Ferarra, of which the 68th Legion "Riario Sforza" (Imola), the presenters of this extravagant gift to Mussolini, was a component. This sword presented by them would figure in Mussolini's future attitude toward the Italian people and the world in general.

Mussolini was an ardent admirer of Machiavelli and his "methods", and he made no secret of it. His 1924 honorary doctoral thesis at the University of Bologna, quoted in his Prelude to Machiavelli" for "La Revue de Geneve" in September, 1924 (copy included), mentions this very sword at its start: "It chanced one day I was notified from Imola -- by the Black legions of Imola -- of a gift of a sword engraved with Machiavelli's saying: 'It is not with words that one maintains governments'. That ended my hesitation and decided the choice of the thesis I submit today...upon The Prince of Machiavelli -- upon a book that I am inclined to call The Statesman's Handbook...". In 1928 Mussolini again reprinted his preface in an edition of The Prince. An historically important relic of great significance.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arrange through the auction house. Please see "Bidding Procedures" for contact information of recommended shippers. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

January 30, 2013 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 + $1,000