Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very good original Italian WWII dagger associated with the Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale, or M.V.S.N., commonly known as the Blackshirts. The dagger retains its nickel plated blade, aluminum eagle-head hilt, black grip plates, brass fasces insignia, and matching nickel plated scabbard with bullion belt loop.

The M.V.S.N. developed from the armed Fascist squads that supported Benito Mussolini and the National Fascist Party during the early 1920s. Formally established as a state militia in 1923, the organization operated alongside the Italian armed forces and was identified by its black uniform and prominent use of Fascist insignia.

This dagger pattern was worn primarily as a dress and ceremonial sidearm. It served as a visible symbol of the wearer’s membership and authority within the Fascist militia rather than as a standard field combat weapon.

The complete dagger measures approximately 11¼” overall. The nickel plated blade measures approximately 6¾” long. The blade has a sharpened lower edge and remains capable of cutting, although its primary function was ceremonial. Minor runner wear is present from contact with the interior of the scabbard.

The hilt is formed in the shape of an eagle’s head and is constructed from aluminum. It remains in very good condition without significant oxidation or surface scaling. A small integral quillon forms the crossguard.

Black plastic grip plates are inset into both sides of the hilt. They are secured by a single brass screw passing through the grip assembly. The screw engages with a brass fasces insignia mounted on the opposite side. The fasces consists of a bundle of rods surrounding an axe and was adopted as one of the principal emblems of Italian Fascism. The insignia may originally have had a gilt finish, a small trace of which appears to remain.

The dagger is complete with its nickel plated metal scabbard. Most of the original plating remains intact, with expected light wear from age and handling. A small dent is present on the outer face of the scabbard. The surrounding nickel finish remains well retained. A bullion belt loop is attached to the rear of the scabbard, allowing the dagger to be suspended from a uniform belt.

The aluminum eagle-head hilt, black grip plates, brass fasces insignia, nickel plated blade, matching scabbard, and retained bullion belt loop preserve the principal features of this Italian Fascist militia dress dagger. The minor blade wear and shallow scabbard dent are the principal condition factors, while the overall completeness makes it a strong representative example of M.V.S.N. ceremonial equipment.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 6 3/4"
Overall length: 11¼“
Crossguard: 2”
Scabbard Length: 7 ½"