BACKGROUND: In March of 1919 Benito Mussolini established the "Fascio di Combattimento" (Union of Combatants) political party in Milan and fascism was born in Italy. Shortly afterwards the FdC adopted the black shirts that the anarchist laborers of the Romagna region of Italy had worn previously. Mussolini was first elected as a member of the Chamber of Deputies in the general election of 1921. In a fortunate set of circumstances, due to a general strike, economic chaos, and a dissatisfied populace, Mussolini was able to depose Premier Luigi Facta and was appointed as Premier by King Victor Emmanuel III following the infamous "March on Rome," on October 28th, 1922. Now with Mussolini’s "Partito Nazionale Fascita" (National Fascist Party) firmly in control, the black shirts were to become ubiquitous throughout Italy. A decree of February 1st, 1923 reorganized the fascist militia and introduced a new designation, MVSN, "Milizia Volontaria Sicurezza Nazionale" (Volunteer National Security Militia). On July 25th, 1943 the Grand Council and King Emmanuel accepted Mussolini’s "resignation" and had him imprisoned, which resulted in the Italians conceding to unconditional surrender on September 8th, 1943, bringing an end to Mussolini’s fascist rule. The Fascist Grand Council was the supreme constitutional authority in Italy from 1922 until Mussolini’s arrest in September of 1943.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: This is a M1937 MVSN dagger with sheath. This dagger was worn with the regular uniform. The 19.5cm long, bright, steel blade has a 1.5cm ricasso, an un-sharpened blade and an unsharpened false edge. The hilt is made from a solid piece of aluminum, with a single curved quillon and an eagle head pommel. To either side of the handle are black bakelite, one which has to its center a gilt fasces, and to the other the head of a brass screw. An interesting feature of this model of knife is that when held in the hand the sharpened edge faces up. The 23.5cm long steel scabbard retains most of its black paint with various scratches to the surface. The scabbard has a brass throat insert with single flat head screw to hold in place. Blade is pristine.