Original WWII Italian MVSN Dagger – Model 1939 with Hangers (Veteran Bring-Back)
This is an authentic Italian MVSN (Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale) Dagger, Model 1939, issued under Benito Mussolini’s Fascist regime. This example was brought back from Italy by a U.S. serviceman during World War II and comes directly from the veteran’s family. It has never been in a collection and remains in outstanding original condition throughout.
The dagger features a classic aluminum hilt with a distinctive eagle-head pommel and curved crossguard. Both grip panels are constructed from black celluloid, and the obverse grip is inlaid with the gilt brass fascio littorio — the emblem of Fascist Italy. The blade is a stunning example: highly nickel-plated, mirror bright, and mint, showing no signs of sharpening, pitting, or oxidation. It retains the correct short ricasso and false edge along the spine.
The steel scabbard retains nearly all of its original black enamel, exhibiting only minor handling marks. Both suspension rings are mounted on brass bands with the correct notched decorative pattern. The lower brass chape is present and retains some of its original gilding; the small terminal finial ball is absent — a common loss that does not detract from its overall appearance.
Of particular note is the inclusion of the original MVSN dagger hangers, which remain in serviceable condition. The dual leather straps are mounted to a leather hanger tab featuring a raised brass “M” for Mussolini and a prominent Italian eagle clutching fasces, cast in high relief. Original brass snap clips remain intact and functional.
This is a complete and exceptionally fine example of a wartime-issued MVSN officer’s dagger, rarely found with its original hanger assembly and in this level of preservation. A significant artifact of Italy’s Fascist period, suitable for advanced collectors of WWII edged weapons or Axis militaria.
Item Details
Origin: Kingdom of Italy
Date: c. 1939–1943
Type: MVSN Officer’s Dagger (Model 1939)
Blade: Nickel-plated, mint condition, unmarked
Hilt: Aluminum, eagle-head pommel, gilt brass fasces inset
Scabbard: Black enamel over steel, brass fittings
Hanger: Original leather dual-strap with “M” badge and Italian eagle clip
Provenance: Veteran bring-back, direct from family
This is an authentic Italian MVSN (Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale) Dagger, Model 1939, issued under Benito Mussolini’s Fascist regime. This example was brought back from Italy by a U.S. serviceman during World War II and comes directly from the veteran’s family. It has never been in a collection and remains in outstanding original condition throughout.
The dagger features a classic aluminum hilt with a distinctive eagle-head pommel and curved crossguard. Both grip panels are constructed from black celluloid, and the obverse grip is inlaid with the gilt brass fascio littorio — the emblem of Fascist Italy. The blade is a stunning example: highly nickel-plated, mirror bright, and mint, showing no signs of sharpening, pitting, or oxidation. It retains the correct short ricasso and false edge along the spine.
The steel scabbard retains nearly all of its original black enamel, exhibiting only minor handling marks. Both suspension rings are mounted on brass bands with the correct notched decorative pattern. The lower brass chape is present and retains some of its original gilding; the small terminal finial ball is absent — a common loss that does not detract from its overall appearance.
Of particular note is the inclusion of the original MVSN dagger hangers, which remain in serviceable condition. The dual leather straps are mounted to a leather hanger tab featuring a raised brass “M” for Mussolini and a prominent Italian eagle clutching fasces, cast in high relief. Original brass snap clips remain intact and functional.
This is a complete and exceptionally fine example of a wartime-issued MVSN officer’s dagger, rarely found with its original hanger assembly and in this level of preservation. A significant artifact of Italy’s Fascist period, suitable for advanced collectors of WWII edged weapons or Axis militaria.
Item Details
Origin: Kingdom of Italy
Date: c. 1939–1943
Type: MVSN Officer’s Dagger (Model 1939)
Blade: Nickel-plated, mint condition, unmarked
Hilt: Aluminum, eagle-head pommel, gilt brass fasces inset
Scabbard: Black enamel over steel, brass fittings
Hanger: Original leather dual-strap with “M” badge and Italian eagle clip
Provenance: Veteran bring-back, direct from family