Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza NSDAPonale (MVSN, "Voluntary Militia for National Security"), commonly called the Blackshirts, was originally the paramilitary wing of the National Fascist Party and, after 1923, an all-volunteer militia of the Kingdom of Italy under Fascist rule. Its members were distinguished by their black uniforms (modelled on those of the Arditi, Italy's elite troops of World War I) and their loyalty to Benito Mussolini, the Duce (leader) of Fascism, to whom they swore an oath. The founders of the paramilitary groups were nationalist intellectuals, former army officers and young landowners opposing peasants' and country laborers' unions. Their methods became harsher as Mussolini's power grew, and they used violence and intimidation against Mussolini's opponents. In 1943, following the fall of the Fascist regime, the MVSN was integrated into the Royal Italian Army and disbanded.
These "first pattern" MVSN daggers are extremely rare, as they were quickly replaced by the "second pattern", which could serve as a knife, dagger, and also as a dress sidearm. With a heavy silver-plated cruciform blade, the early pattern was useful mainly for fighting and stabbing, without any cutting edge. Not exactly the type of weapon one wanted to be seen with during dress occasions.
It features a pommel that is curved at the end like a pistol, and a sturdy crossguard with ball finials. One side of the crossguard is marked MVSN, while the other side is marked E 813, probably the membership number of the owner. The wooden grip looks to be a dark hardwood like ebony, and is inlaid with the Fascist logo of the famous bound axe and rods, the "Fasces". One side is silver, and the other side is brass, an interesting feature to note. This dagger comes complete in an all steel belt scabbard with angled belt loop.
The dagger is in very good condition, with a lovely patina of age. The blade, protected from the elements, still has bright silver plating, with jus a bit of wear at the tip. The pommel and cross guard have oxidized and tarnished to a lovely gray color. The scabbard is black painted steel, and has retained the original finish very well. There are no dents or other major concerns, just some areas of finish loss and light oxidation.
A great example of a very hard to find Italian WWII Dagger!
Dimensions:
Blade length: 7 3/4”
Blade Style: Cruciform Dagger
Overall length: 12 1/2”
Crossguard: 2 7/8"
Scabbard length: 8 5/8"
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