Model 1939 model Fascist dagger. This popular design went through three stages with the Model 32, Model 37 and the final Model 39. The M32 had the same bird’s head grip, but a shorter blade housed in a scabbard containing a single belt hanger attached to the reverse. The M37 had a longer false edged blade, and modified scabbard with ornate gilded double hanger rings and toe, suspended from a gilded chain hanger topped with a clip, eagle and “M” for Mussolini. The M39 dagger was suspended from a leather hanger with a gilded eagle and “M” at the top. The scabbard of the M39 also had a threaded ball on the toe that could be unscrewed and replaced in case of “drop” damage. High leaders were issued the same dagger, but with a white grip to designate their positions. Chris William
When Benito Mussolini, “IL Duce” (the Leader) of the Italian “Partito Nazionale Fascista” (National Fascist Party – PNF) came to power in 1922, he governed Italy as a charismatic, but ruthless dictator, ruling over a demoralized people who yearned for a return of their former pride and peace. Before this, the country had been a nation in chaos, with numerous strikes, political divisions and struggles between factions in the government and the Papacy. Mussolini sought to unify Italy through his stance on anti-socialism, extreme nationalism, anti-semitism, a modernization of the country and improvements to the economy.
In addition, his “cult of personality” promoted “Spazio Vitale” (living space), Italian expansion into other countries, somewhat similar to what would be Adolf Hitler’s “Lebensraum” in the years that followed. His appeal centered on the belief that he would bring order, and recreate the Italy of antiquity, raising the metaphorical Roman legions from history’s grave to revive the past glory of two thousand years before.
A Fascist soldier holding a “Gladio” (short Roman sword) on the cover of the “Gladio” military magazine. (“Distintivie E Medaglie Della R.S.I”, Sparacino). Chris William
In those ancient times, Roman soldiers had carried “Pugiones” (short daggers), or “Gladii” (short broad swords), then popular in the Imperial armies. Both of these weapons became romanticized symbols, used in repeated battles as Rome conquered vast areas of the ancient known world, and established a mighty empire for a long line of emperors. In addition to this public yearning for the nostalgic past, members of King Victor Emmanuel III’s royal court and the Italian armed forces had proudly carried ceremonial swords and daggers as a sign of their elevated status among the people.
During the Fascist period, numerous modern edged weapons became important, with bayonets used on the battlefield, daggers used by officials and officers, or swords mostly relegated to formal functions and parades. Both short and long blades alike invoked a sense of fear or respect among ordinary citizens. Fascist leaders often had custom designed or inscribed, one-of-a-kind daggers or swords constructed for their friends, peers, or favored heads of state to commemorate certain events or honors. Public and party officials purchased or were issued decorative blades to wear as signs of their official positions. More common edged weapons were mass produced in local companies, or purchased from foreign sources such as the famous smiths of Solingen, Germany.
Lt. Col. Dalmas, Commander of the “Ardis” paratroopers wears his M35 MVSN dagger while on field exercises. (“Distintivie E Medaglie Della R.S.I”, Sparacino). Chris William
Daggers and swords continued to be worn until Mussolini was dismissed in 1943, having led the Italian nation on destructive conquests of folly, and murdering or throwing thousands into prison for violating his rule. He would then become a puppet of Hitler’s Nazi state until he was executed in 1945, his body beaten and hung in the Milan Piazzale Loreto next to that of his mistress, Claretta Petacci.
With the fall of Italian Fascism, daggers and swords quickly lost their glamour, and the people of Mussolini’s empire returned to being an integral part of the European free community. After the Axis defeat, edged weapons were confiscated by Allied forces and many eventually found their way back to the U.S. or other allied countries in duffel bags and boxes. The unique blades of the Fascist state became prized souvenirs for soldiers coming home, and continue to be valuable pieces in many present-day collections.
An “Opera Nazionale Balilla” (ONB - Italian Fascist youth) dagger shown with several items used by Italian youth groups. The ONB existed from 1926 to 1937, after which it was taken over by the “Gioventi Italiana del Littlorio.” Chris William
The design copied that of the MVSN dagger, but in a scaled-down size with the 6.5-inch long blade housed in a leather scabbard. Chris William
A photo comparing the size of the MVSN M39 dagger and the ONB dagger. Chris William
An Italian Navy officer’s sword. A lesser quality sword which sports a cast lion’s head pommel and crown over fouled anchor on the cross guard. Chris William
The 29-inch-long blade is very thin at 3/4” wide, but has attractive acid etching 2/3 down the length showing leaves, drums and flag designs. Chris William
A rarely encountered 1936 lion headed “San Marco” dagger developed for the Italian Marines. The double-edged blade is 7 3/16” long and seated in a brass collar. The Bakelite grip features a Lion head pommel (signifying Venice, Italy) and fasces molded into the grip panels. The black-painted scabbard has a brass-lined throat with a screw attached long belt loop on the reverse. This particular example has a broken (and repaired) lower cross guard, which is typically half an inch longer. Chris William
Millions of Italian bayonets were attached to rifles, belts and equipment straps during the battles in Africa and Europe. Many had service life spans of over 50 years. Chris William
A Model 1925 Fascist “Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale” (MVSN – Black Shirts) dagger. The Black Shirts were Mussolini’s paramilitary shock troops used to fight enemies, help control the Italian government and, eventually, formed into combat regiments employed during World War II. They would later be the model for Adolf Hitler’s “Sturmabteilung” (SA) in Nazi Germany. This unusual dagger has an 8-inch-long cruciform blade which, though deadly looking and meant for thrusting, was fairly impractical for any other uses. Chris William
The beautifully plated pommel, backstrap and cross guard surrounded an ebony handle inset with brass fasces, the ancient Roman axe and reeds symbolizing authority and power. There is no manufacturer’s marking, but the cross guard is stamped with an issuance number on one side, and M.V.S.N. on the other. The scabbard contains a formed steel loop which could be attached to a cross strap or belt. The Italians gave the M25 the nickname of “testone” (big head) Chris William
A M38 folding bayonet with locking stud in half closed and open position Chris William
The folding models proved to be susceptible to breakage and were less favored than the fixed M38. This example has no maker makers, but an issuance/serial number stamped into the backstrap. Chris William
A deluxe model of the 1923 “Regia Aeronautical” (Italian air force) officer’s sword. Chris William
The well-made gilded grip features a bird head pommel with red jeweled eyes and a sweeping winged cross guard. The black handle is wrapped with gilded triple wire in the grooves. Chris William
The straight blade is thin (3/4 inch) with acid etched floral designs and spears, and the addition to an air force pilot’s eagle. The scabbard body is made of black leather, with the same pilot’s eagle cast into the upper scabbard mount, and the drag embossed with a forward-facing propeller. This beautiful sword is topped off with a bullion port epée and hung from two suspension rings attached to a brocade hanger with blue stripes and nickeled clips. Chris William
A Model 1939 Fascist MVSN dagger worn by Black Shirts, army assault soldiers and paratroops. This followed the Model 1935, which had an ebony colored, finger grooved grip, two rivets attaching that to the blade tang and an “M.V.S.N” and fasces stamped into the upper scabbard. The M39 was much cruder looking, but highly reliable during rough use. The three screws, or rivets, held the rounded wood handle to a heavy false edged blade. The black-painted scabbard had a slide locked steel suspension loop attached at an angle which could be connected to a belt or cross strap. The M39 was carried in the field, unlike other daggers which were worn for dress only. Chris William
Children of military officers sometimes had play swords made to match those carried by their fathers. Pictured is a well-worn child’s air force sword alongside a full-sized sword for comparison. The once detailed miniature has the same eagle head and cross guard, but with a simpler grip. It originally had a folding lock strap on the reverse to secure it to the scabbard. The scabbard is without its ring mounts, paint or drag. Though worse for wear, this example was actively played with by its proud young owner. Chris William
A M37 Fascist dagger, with a formed ball on the toe suspended from a M39 hanger: the way it came back in a G.I. duffle bag. Chris William
As with many other Italian weapons, the lethal looking M1891 folding Carano carbine bayonet was carried on carbines in both WWI and WWII. The blued cruciform spike measured 20” in length, and was released with a push stud from its place in a groove cut into the bottom of the wooden stock under the carbine barrel. The Fascist GIL and ONB both had miniature, blank-firing versions of the Carcano carbine with bayonets mounted on the front. These downsized spikes were manufactured the same as the adult versions, but with a rounded tip. Chris William
Interested in swords and blades? Here are a few more articles for your reading enjoyment.
