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Italian Fascist
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Italian WWI Alpini Soldier’s Mountain Cap (Item I-FAS 4-1) |
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| DESCRIPTION: The Alpini, meaning “The Alpines” were and are the elite mountain-warfare soldiers of the Italian Army. They were originally formed in 1872, and their mission was to protect Italy’s northern mountainous borders. They distinguished themselves during WWI when they fought against Austro-Hungarian forces in what has been called “The War in Snow and Ice.” During WWII the Alpini fought together with German forces mostly on the eastern front, being tasked to hold the front in the Don River plains. During WWII Italy fielded six Alpine divisions. They saw combat in France, Africa, Italy, Albania, the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, and Greece. They were faithful to their leader, Benito Mussolini, and dedicated to the ill-fated mission to rid the world of the menace of international communism. The cap is quite rare and examples do show up from time to time, but (invariably) missing the feather; this one has the correct elusive plume! The original owner of the cap undoubtedly was Catholic because his hat is “holy”; excuse the pun! What we are saying is that the piece, although great looking, is, unfortunately, full of moth holes. “Those damned moths are very fond of Italian food, or it would seem so.” Seriously, however, this is a very sharp-looking Italian forage cap and really quite rare in any condition. It has the proper bullion eagle device as the cap’s badge, and the proper crow’s feather with the holding insignia. The label inside reads: “ARISTON, Qualita Insuperabile, Super Extra.” There is a signature “MOLO,” probably the former owner. Yes, there are quite a few holes, but the cap is generally in sound condition and will make a great display item in any good WWII collection. This is a good investment. This is an NCO rank.
PRICE: $485.00 |
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Fascist Italian Mountain Cap (Item I-FAS 4-1a) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is similar to the one above in I-FAS 4-1 only this one is not moth eaten at all and the feather is different (green and fluffy). The eagle is the same and is for a lower rank because it does not have the inverted “V” bullion patch. The bunting and the cord that surround the crown are also in the same very nice condition with silk liner and leather sweatband. Size is small.
PRICE: SOLD |
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Italian Fascist Fez of the MVSN; Corporal Rank (Item I-FAS 4-2) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a very nice example of the traditional black fez of the MVSN. This has the inverted ‘V’ on its side in bullion material indicating the wearer was a corporal in the "Blackshirt" brigades. The fez was originally an ancient headwear piece used by various elite forces within Europe. Mussolini brought it back and it was his choice always for his own uniform. The MVSN (Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezze Nazionale), Security Volunteer Militia or "Blackshirts," were paramilitary groups in Italy during the period immediately following WWI and up until the end of WWII. Inspired by Giuseppe Garibaldi’s “Red Shirts,” the Blackshirts were organized by Mussolini as a military function of his fascist movement. The founders of these paramilitary groups were nationalist intellectuals, former army officers, or members of the special corps Arditi, young landowners who opposed peasants’ and country laborers’ unions. These Blackshirts were established as the Squadristi in 1919 and consisted of many disgruntled soldiers who may have numbered 200,000 by the time of the famed Mussolini March on Rome from October 27-29, 1922. In 1922 the Squadristi were reorganized into the milizia and formed numerous bandiere and on February 1923, the Blackshirts became the MVSN. The organization was formed on the order of the ancient Roman army. In 1940 the MVSN was able to muster 340,000 first-line combat troops providing three divisions; 1st, 2nd, and 4th, all three of which were lost in the North African Campaign. Although for the most part they fought bravely they had poor leadership; nothing like the crack troops of the German Africa Corps under the Desert Fox (Rommel). This fez is truly a classic example of this great uniform. It is in fine condition with only slight mothing at its top. It is designated as a size ‘57.’ It has the traditional bush side décor and bullion Italian fasces on the front and of course the NCO’s inverted bullion (V). The inside liner is in gray silk. It has a stamp in the sweat band that reads ‘Roma’ and this maker is again seen in the inside crown. It says “Depositata ROMA.” Above this is the company logo with the Capitoline wolf with Romulus and Remus, the founders of ancient Rome. Below this are the colors of the “March on Rome” used on sashes, and important flags and standards. This is a beautiful WWII relic of a time of grandeur and mighty Imperium gone forever!
PRICE: SOLD |
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Mussolini Picture (Item I-FAS 4-3) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a very great portrait of the great Italian leader; actually beautiful! I have yet to see finer. The detail is superb. It measures about 23 x 16 inches and is nicely framed. It is a period piece from the 1930s and was preserved well. It was published in New York, believe it or not, while the Americans were allowed to admire him for all his many accomplishments. The media later told us he was a bad guy and Yanks love and adore their media much more than they love truth. Anyway, it's great of a great! Viva Il Duce.
PRICE: $250.00 |
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A Tropical Pith Helmet for the GIL Italian Youth Organization (Item I-FAS 4-5) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This tropical pith helmet was similar to the ones used by the Bersaglieri in North Africa. The GIL Youth Organization sent volunteers to assist with military matters in Africa. The GIL stood for Gioventù Italiana Del Littorio (or Italian Youth of the Lictors). The helmet bears the symbol of the GIL and it is mounted on a rosette of the national Italian colors. Fine condition! Marked with a ‘size 54’ inside. It has a pocket on the right side and this could be for the wearing of feathers just like the Bersaglieri did for certain Gala occasions. A very nice and rare WWII relic.
PRICE:$350.00 |
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Italian Special Unit Airborne Police (Carabinieri) Uniform (Item I-FAS 4-7) |
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DESCRIPTION: These are some of the special units of elite police in Italy who waged war on the mob. This is not a WWII uniform, but we admire these tough cops so much that we decided to include this sharp uniform in our Italian section. These men are assigned to the Carabinieri Military Police. This uniform is from the Tuscania Airborne Regiment. It has to be the most beautiful and dramatic uniform of any police unit worldwide. The outfit we have is comprised of tunic, dress cap, beret and trousers. All are in excellent condition. Anyone who says Italians can't be crack troops hasn't met the Carabinieri! PRICE: SOLD or TRADED |
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 Slight damage |
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 Padded shoulders |
Italian WWII General Staff Officer Uniform (Item I-FAS 4-8) |
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DESCRIPTION: This is a tunic, overseers cap and trousers in good condition. Quite rare that this is for a ranking officer (Lt. Colonel of the General Staff). The tunic bears his campaign ribbons; but not being an expert in Fascist items, we do not recognize them. There are a few minor holes in the crotch area (shown). The cap does not match in color, but it is a proper cap for this rank. Generally in fine condition. PRICE: SOLD |
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 Note repaired break |
 Another expertly repaired break |
 Small chip out of crystal |
 "Viva Il Duce." |
 The glories of ancient Rome |
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Marble Sword Presented to Benito Mussolini (Item I-FAS 4-9; SPECIAL SALES 4; VERY SPECIAL AND RARE) |
DESCRIPTION: This is a completely unique relic of Fascist Italy. It is a sword completely made out of marble and rock crystal -- the sword is in the shape of a Roman Empire weapon known as the “Gladius” in Latin, also known as the "sword that conquered the world." A reference to the might and power of the Roman Empire, Benito Mussolini the strong man of the 1920’s to the mid 1940’s wanted to revitalize modern Italy but he wanted at the same time to bring back the days of heroism and military splendor. His famous words are remembered “Better to live one day as a lion than 100 years as a sheep,” is nearly forgotten as the men of the earth sink deeper into liberalism and intellectual slavery to non-heroic ideals fit for sheeple. Well, enough of that for now. The sword is an artistic creation handmade in the city of Carrara. This city is in the province of Massa Carrara (Tuscany) and is famous for the various types of marble quarried there. It is 100 km. west-northwest of Florence. Settlements in the area are known since the 9th century, B.C. The current town originated from the Borough built to house workers in the marble quarries created by the Romans after their conquest of Lingulia in the early 2nd century, BC. At one time it was a hotbed of leftist and Communist activity but along came the “Duce” and most of the quarry workers after hearing him speak became dedicated Fascists because they saw greater benefits in the Fascist programs for the workers. It seems the trade council of Carrara at some point in the 30’s, decided to make a small gift to the Fascist leader and it was decided that a Roman Gladius was the appropriate present to the greatest Roman of all. It of course must be made of marble coming from this renowned ‘City of Stone’ so it was decided that such a Gladius must be constructed from all the various types of marble and crystal that has been quarried there. If you look at the pictures, you can see that this was indeed accomplished in the beautiful artistic presentation employing some different types of Carrara marble. The grip is in wonderful grained yellow-brown stone while the cross guard is in the finest grade pink marble. The blade is of the same Carrara marble that was used in the Roman baths and in fact later it adorned the German Reich’s Chancellery wall and floors. The finial or top is formed in mine cut crystal as are the ends of the cross guard. Rarely when marble is mined such perfect pieces of crystal show up and they are professionably cut much the same as a rough diamond is handled. On one side of the cross guard is the large (M) in silver (Mussolini), on the other side is the Fascist eagle (Aquila). The piece is 21 inches long and 7 inches at the widest point of the blade. A thing of beauty to behold and an extremely prodigious relic of great importance to history of a turbulent time. We received this sword directly from an old veteran of the 7th Army who accepted the surrender of it from an Italian partisan who claimed he took it from some sort of Fascist HQ in the town of Varnando de Costa near the village of Predappio. This was the place where the Duce was born July 29th 1883. We assume that after Mussolini received the sword he presented it to the HQ there that maintained a small museum dedicated to their leader where other valued Fascist relics were kept in reverence and pride. Like so many veterans insist when selling us their relics we are not at liberty to disclose his name. This is at the insistence of his family (he is now deceased). Please note: The sword is all there but due to the ravages of war there were several cracks and breaks in it as you can discern from our pictures. So, it is extremely fragile but holding up well. Remember, this is a rare object d’art but also it is probably the greatest Fascist item ever to surface on the net. It should really be in a museum, maybe in Rome, Georgia! PRICE: $11,000.00; Special Sale:temporarily reduced To $4,000.00 |
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 Young King Unberto |
 Aged King Umberto |
 Wilhelm II |
Beautiful Commemorative Medallion (Non-Portable Award) (Item IFAS 4-11 & WILHELM 9-12) |
DESCRIPTION: This beautiful gilded bronze medallion was presented to Italian and German Diplomatic Officials to commemorate the Triple Alliance (May 20, 1882 ) of Italy with Germany and Austria-Hungary and in consolidating the pact. King Umberto 1 of Italy made repeated visits to Berlin and Vienna. There was a great friendship struck between the Italian King and the German Emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II. King Umberto was predisposed toward authoritarian and Imperialist policies and this found him in disfavor with Anarchist, Communist and Zionist groups, eventually he was assassinated by silk weaver Gretano Bresci who was an anarchist criminal. Arrested and after serving less than a year of his life sentence he was found “very dead” in his cell under extremely suspicious circumstances. How strange! Now, as to the medallion, the obverse has a fine depiction of the German Kaiser although he looks just a little bit “Italian.” around the edges it says Guglielmo II Imperatore Di Germania (Wilhelm (Guglielmo) Emperor or of Germany; on the reverse is as best we can make out (12 Oct 1888) (MDCCCLXXX VIII) and it mentions in the words “A Momoriam from Umberto 1 to the great friend and ally from the capital of Italy to Wilhelm II Emperor of Germany”. The medallion measures 2 inches in diameter. It is signed by the artist on the obverse under the portrait. PRICE: $225.00 |
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Genuine Medieval Cabasset Helmet circa Late 16th Century (Item IFAS 4-21; ANTWEP 4-17) |
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DESCRIPTION: Here is a typical Italian steel cabasset helmet. They were worn by foot soldiers, and like its Spanish counterpart, it was worn by infantry in the pike-and-shot formations. The stalklike projection on the top resembles a pear, which is how it gained its fame. It was popular in sixteenth-century England and was used in the English Civil War. Several of these helmets were taken to the New World by the Pilgrim Fathers and at least one has been found on Jamestown Island in the Commonwealth of Virginia. They were popular in several European armies; especially in Italy. We believe that this one is Italian because of the décor of brass rivet escutcheons that once held the cloth liner in position. Inside there are traces of that liner still clinging to the rivets. This is a genuine museum piece seldom found outside museum collections. The condition rates fair to good with minor dents and mild pitting. All in all this is a superlative example of a great example of European armor. No fancy “go to court” piece of armor here. This is a combat helmet for the medieval foot soldier. PRICE: $2,500.00 |
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Poster to Encourage Enlistment in the Italian Waffen-SS Legion (Item IFAS 4-22; WAF 14-4) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is a large poster measuring 17 x 24 inches (43 x 61 cm). We have seen reproductions on paper of this poster, but in sizes 12 x 17 (30.5 x 61 cm). This is obviously an original and comes from the captured enemy propaganda archives in Moscow. This is what we were told by the Russian collector whom we were able to buy some from. They are obviously different than the inferior repros out there. This poster is on hard-stock poster paper as originals always were. This is so different from the silly Xerox-type cheap copies pushed by other sites. The Poster Here is depicted a soldier of the Italian Waffen-SS Division which encourages young Italians to enlist in the corps. It states translated: “For enlistment in the Legion-Honor, Fidelity, Courage.” The soldier depicted makes the three fingered salute that was used by the Italian Fascists. The salute gesture was based on an ancient Roman gesture. The poster is in good condition except that it was folded in half for many years and in fact was double folded and this shows in the middle of the picture, but it can easily be straightened out with the tender, loving care of the new owner (collector). Down in the left corner there are letters and numerals that read “1.FR.08 Ital.” This is a very dramatic and rare poster, and a *prodigiously important relic. Please ignore the white background under the poster; it is only a backdrop and is not with the poster. PRICE: SOLD |
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German-Italian Medal for the North African Campaign (Item IFAS 4-23; AFRICA 1-24) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This medal was presented to soldiers who participated in the combined campaign of German and Italian soldiers in North Africa. The front of the medal shows the Arco dei Fileni, the royal unit of the House of Savoy, a fasces, and a swastika. Roughly 32mm in diameter, the die-struck bronze medal features on the back two high-relief, stylized gladiators representing Germany and Italy. They are slaying a Nile crocodile representing Great Britain. The outer border has embossed script in both German and Italian that says: “Italian-German Campaign in Africa.” The obverse of the medal has the embossed designer and manufacturer’s names at the bottom. The medal comes with a multicolored ribbon with the colors of N.S. Germany and Fascist Italy. The ribbon is intact, but honorably battle worn. That is how most of the collectors like to see them, isn’t it? This is a good, historically important piece.
PRICE: $240.00 |
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Archival Picture Featuring Hitler and Mussolini (Item IFAS 4-24; AH 29-23) |
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| DESCRIPTION: We acquired some of these from a Russian dealer who claims that they were extras from Russian archives and were released quite a few years ago. They have some scribbling on the back which he told me was a mark signifying release from Russian war archives. This one has a stamp with numbers “6788” written on it. These pictures are with ragged edges and are similar to snapshots, but are quite clear in their presentation. Size is 4½ x 3¼ inches. Hitler is seen in the picture with Mussolini who has obviously disembarked from an airplane seen in the background.
PRICE: $125.00 |
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Ashtray that Depicts Benito Mussolini, and a Saying that He Often Used (Item IFAS 4-25) |
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| DESCRIPTION: The expression “Me ne frego” literally means “I don’t care;” however, in the usage of Il Duce it is said to convey “I don’t give a damn!!!” The catch phrase originated with the "warrior-poet" Gabriele D'Annunzio and became popular among Italian soldiers in World War 1. It was an expression of courage and bravado, not carelessness: "We might die tomorrow, but me ne frego." After the war, it continued to be used by Mussolini's squadristi (strike busters) and after he came to power it became the motto of the Black Shirts. The key point is obviously the refrain: "Me ne frego di morire per la santa libertà." ("I don't mind dying for sacred liberty.") It's all part of the cult of machismo that Fascism cultivated. The piece is in porcelain and measures 5 inches in diameter and is about ½ inch deep.
PRICE: $150.00 |
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Italian Fascist MVSN Officer's Dagger with Special Ceremonial Hangers (Item IFAS 4-26; Special Items) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a special version of the Fascist MVSN dagger that some of us have seen. This would have been the standard officer version with the double-chained hanger. These are also quite rare, but this one is seldom seen because it has a set of hangers in gold-bullion material. This was for very special occasions—possibly for diplomatic assistance. These daggers had almost spiritual significance to those who wore them. They were even used in the "Avanti" salute to comrades and allies. The MVSN in translation works out to "Volunteer Militia for National Security." The dagger itself measures a little over 13 inches and features a 7 3/4 inch, nickel-plated, steel blade (magnetic) with a sharp edge along the top of the blade (This feature is only found on these MVSN daggers). The blade is remaining bright and crisp with a sharp, pointed tip. The blade measures 368mm in length. The grip or handle is fabricated from aluminum designed with a quillion and complemented by black, synthetic plates. The obverse of the grips has a bronze Roman fasces insignia, while the pommel is fashioned in the form of an eagle's head accompanied by its black-painted metal scabbard (also magnetic) with dual dagger bands that are embedded into the scabbard's body with rings attached. The scabbard is 230mm in length. The Special Hanger Arrangement The luxurious straps or hangers are beautiful gold-trimmed material down the side straps while the center is Fascist grey—the color of Italian Government Service. They measure side by side thusly: The long one measures 10 inches long, while the short one is 8 inches long. At the top there is a belt-loop sleeve, that the straps are suspended from and this adds another three inches. The buckles are in bright brass as are the clips that hold the scabbard and the retaining clasp or hook. The hangers are in just about mint condition and quite beautiful. These dagger accoutrements are exceptional and certainly extremely rare! PRICE: $1,750.00 |
Spectacular Bronze Figure of Il Duce (Benito Mussolini) (Item IFAS 4-27; BRONZEMET 4-11; Special Items) DESCRIPTION: This is not only a fantastic likeness of the Fascist dictator, but is a superior piece of ultrarealistic art in its own right, as well. To bring about a true image of a human subject in a painting is challenging indeed, especially in realism, but to create a subject in woodcarving or clay and bring out the character and nature of the person portrayed is a very lofty achievement, indeed. Remember, a finished bronze creation begins with a handmade (carved) template before it's cast, and therein lies the difference between a pleasing, noble masterpiece like this one, and a contemporary nightmare piece of degenerate trash (Picasso). The sculptor R. Panacea certainly breathed life into the man, Benito Mussolini. It was Il Duce that said: "It is better to live one day as a lion than 100 years as a sheep." He certainly lived by this quote and the artist Panacea brings this out in a vibrant, powerful way. Il Duce’s facial features clearly demonstrate the arrogant yet noble aspirations of this later-day Caesar. |
The Bronze Statue The sculpture is in solid bronze and stands 20 inches high and measures 9½ inches wide from elbow to elbow. The sculpture weighs 25 pounds. It 's mounted on a slab of beautiful Italian marble (what else?). The figure shows the ribbons and medals, and the flyer's badge. The patches and epaulettes that are seen are indicative of his special office of Il Duce (Supreme Fascist Leader). If there is another one of these in a private collection or in a museum anywhere, we would like to hear of it because we know where this one has been for the past 40-50 years. It is a very special art object and a museum worthy of possession; a one-of-a-kind treasure—extraordinaire!!! PRICE: $5,500.00
Please refer to item designator in parentheses in all correspondence. Please E-mail for any additional information you may need.If you prefer, contact 'Germania' at PO Box 68, Lakemont, GA 30552 or call at 706.782.1668. Please! do not call during the wee hours of the morning. The best time for calling us is between 9 and 11 am and between 9 and 11 pm eastern time. |
