{"product_id":"original-italian-wwii-m-v-s-n-fascist-militia-blackshirts-nickel-plated-dagger-with-scabbard-and-hanger-1","title":"Original Italian WWII M.V.S.N. Fascist Militia Blackshirts Nickel-Plated Dagger with Scabbard and Hanger","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 measures 11 7\/8 inches overall, with a 7 1\/2 inch nickel-plated blade. The blade does have a sharp edge on the bottom, so it definitely could be used, but they rarely were, as \"Pugio\" daggers were much more up to the task. The blade exhibits light wear and minor pitting on the ricasso, in addition to some light specks of oxidation. There is very little runner wear from the scabbard, and all of the wear seems to be from storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eagle's head shaped handle is fabricated from aluminum and has a small quillon\/crossguard. The are black plastic plates embedded on either side and held in place by a single brass screw, which screws into the back of a brass Fasces insignia on the other side. The Fasces is a bundle of sticks with an axe head, and is the symbol of the Fascist party in Italy. Most likely the insignia was originally gilt, but that has faded. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dagger comes complete with its brass-fitted black painted metal scabbard, complete with an attached chain link belt hanger. The brass fittings are gilt, which is somewhat faced, and the black enamel paint is still almost completely intact, with just a bit of wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brass clips that attach to the scabbard rings are in fine condition. The top of the hanger below the clip has a brass \"\u003cstrong\u003eM\u003c\/strong\u003e\" (M Legion) insignia attached. This hangs below a large brass belt clip with a bronze gilt eagle on the front. The rear of the clip functions, though it definitely shows some staining and light verdigris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very nice collectible condition, these are always hard to find. Ready for further research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 7 1\/2”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged Knife\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 11 7\/8”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 1 7\/8”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard length: 9 1\/4\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42408022933573,"sku":"ONSV25SSOS213","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25SSOS213__01.jpg?v=1740759031","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-italian-wwii-m-v-s-n-fascist-militia-blackshirts-nickel-plated-dagger-with-scabbard-and-hanger-1","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}