Presentation Dagger by the Facist Black Shirts of the City of Torino to the Duce Benito Mussolini
The curved ivory handle is made in one piece. On the front side separately inlaid in gold is the coat of arms of the city of Turin (Torino) with the Italian royal crown. The bull and the crown are finely chiselled.
The quillons are made of blued steel and are decorated with sculptured bull heads. On the obverse in the centre within a laurel wreath on a gold grained background the dedication inscription: "E TORINO AL DUCE".
The back quillon with the same dedication: ""LE C.C.N.N. PIEMONTESI", underneath the symbolic knot of the House of Savoy.
The double-edged blade with a high centre line and extended to a spearhead at the tip. In the upper part both sides with pointed flame etching on both sides and the inscription (on the obverse side): "ARDENDO" and (on the reverse side): "PURIFICO".
The pommel is made of blued steel in the shape of a diamond and the Roman lictor bundle, symbol of Italian Fascism, is engraved on a gold grained base inside laurel leaves.
Without scabbard. Length: 455 mm.
A truly magnificent and important presentation dagger of exceptionally fine quality. Especially the sculpted bull heads of the city of Turin are masterfully crafted.
As a gift from the fascists of one of Italy's most important cities, this highly important and outstanding edged weapon from the personal possession of Duce Benito Mussolini is of great symbolic value and extraordinary historical significance.
Unique collector's item from the period of Italian fascism.
