Description
No maker. An illustration and description of this pattern knife, used by leaders of the Italian Youth Organization – Gioventu Italiana, del Littorio (GIL), appear on page 18 of ITALIAN FASCIST DAGGERS by Frederick J. Stephens. Cast brass hilt fittings featuring a well detailed eagle head pommel, feather motif backstrap floral design ferrule, and plain, straight crossguard show only light surface wear with dark age patina to the plain pommel nut. Black wooden grip shows light surface wear, but no cracks or chips and is complete with triple brass wire wrap. The straight, plated, blade measuring 6 ½” in length shows light runner marks with a few tiny gray specks to plating but, no nicks to the 5 1/8” cutting edge and 3 5/8” false edge, and is without blade buffer pad. Smooth, light brown leather scabbard without liner, shows light surface wear and with some loose stitching to the left and right edge seams but, no rips or tears. The integral reverse riveted belt loop is torn at the upper edge but, still attached to the scabbard. RARE Italian Youth Leader knife. EX+.
