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 (modeled 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.

This type of MVSN dagger was a mostly ceremonial item, worn by members of the Blackshirts as a symbol of authority, much as the SA in Germany did. The dagger has been turned into a fighting knife, either by an Italian member or an American soldier who captured the dagger. The knife now measures 10 3/8 inches overall, with a 6 inch nickel-plated double-edged stiletto style blade. The blade does have a sharp edge on both sides so it definitely could be used. The blade exhibits wear and minor pitting on the plating, in addition to some light specks of oxidation. There is a small chip in the edge at the ricasso. 

The eagle's head shaped handle is fabricated from aluminum and has a small crossguard. There are replaced white ivory-style plates embedded on either side but there is no screw securing them. One side of the ivory has heavy cracking. The Fasces badge was removed when the grips were replaced. Also there is very light corrosion and pitting in the aluminum around the cross guard. We have left it as is to preserve the patina.

The scabbard looks to have been taken from something else, and also appears nickel-plated although there is extreme oxidation pitting and heavy overall wear. There is a hanger attached to the end with a leather loop. The scabbard measures 6 ⅜” and no longer has a screw at the throat. The fighting knife fits into the scabbard but it is a little awkward to insert.

A very interesting converted MVSN knife, ready for display!