Original Italian WWII M.V.S.N. Fascist Militia Border Guards Dagger with Scabbard

Original 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 (modelled 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.

The dagger blade, cross guard and tang are all die struck one piece. Blade is highly polished, 18cm (7 inches) in length, while the overall dagger measures 30cm (12 inches). There is a bit of wear to the plating of the blade, overall in extremely fine condition. The cross guard has raised letters M.S.V.N., while the reverse has horizontal Fasces; the grip is blackened wood. The scabbard of this example was not nickel plated, with most of the finish retained. There is some light denting to the scabbard. Attached to the scabbard is a leather strap, for belt attachment.

This is still a great example of an early hard to find WWII Italian “Black Shirts” dagger!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 6 3/4”
Blade Style: Spear Point Knife
Overall length: 11 1/2”
Crossguard: 2 1/2”
Scabbard length:7 1/2" with belt loop