GIL Leader's Dagger Souvenir

[Demianthedog]

I developed an interest in Italian militaria while attending the SOS this year. One of my recent purchases is this dagger which, to me in my limited knowledge and even more limited resources, appears to be a GIL Leader's dagger. Thanks to this forum's esteemed moderator Raffaello, I have been enlighted and would like to share with forum.

First the dagger:

[Demianthedog]

el otro lado

The eagles head pommel with mouth agape and the blade characteristics convinced me this was in fact a GIL related dagger. The wooden grip painted white and the fancy engraved ring seems to indicate a "leader's" dagger. The painted eyes were dubious to me but could have been done post war.

[Demianthedog]

Research..

Rafaello's research uncovered that this is in fact a wartime US soldier's souvenir parts dagger. I still think it's pretty cool, so it stays in my collection as a souvenir. Without Rafaello's help I would have never known. Just wanted to share my experience.

[Raffaello Carola]

Hi Jim,

thanks for sharing, strange history for this souvenir dagger in the 1944
in Naples (my city) the U.S. sodiers are very hunting hungry of fascist
daggers the neapolitan peoples create an real commerce of fascist militaria
and after the continuos request and the difficult to find fascist daggers; create
this fantasy dagger souvenir with the grip of the Regia Aereonautica sword
(see photos comparison) with various type of blades part of sword/bayonet/youth
GIL blade with scabbard in leather.
The book of Cesare Calamandrei "History of italian blades", exist two opinion
about this one, is an wartime repro (I confirm this) another of Rudy D'Angelo
of an original late war GIL leader dagger.
I see in the past more daggers of this type and the common opinion of more
blades collectors is an wartime repro confirmed by Turco Brothers factory
the most important fascist blades factory WW2 in Naples.
I have attached the book scan of Calamandrei
all the best
Raffaello

[Raffaello Carola]

two swords of Regia Aereonautica note the grip (Calamandrei book)

[Paolo Marzetti]

My opinion is the one of Rudy's.Here jointed two photos courtesy of R.A. D'Angelo: Cheers, PaoloM

[Paolo Marzetti]

These wonderful daggers originated mainly from the following issue swords:

[Paolo Marzetti]

And this one that I tried to buy some months ago:

[Paolo Marzetti]

unmarked:

[Demianthedog]

Paolo,

Thank you for the additional pictures of the Regia Aereonautica swords.

So there are two schools of thought and you believe that the dagger is actually a GIL leader's?

I would like to believe this myself however, I have not been successful finding a period picture of the dagger in wear. My resources are limited to the internet at this time, I have no books on the subject.

The only two books available to me are:

Le Divise Del Duce by Ugo Pericoli
Italiani Tutti In Divisa by Ermanno Albertelli Editore

These are terrific resources but mostly illustrations lacking clear photographs.

I would like to hear other opinions, perhaps start a poll, the results would be interesting.

Thank you Paolo and Raffaello

[Paolo Marzetti]

Unfortunately there's no photographic evidence on these daggers, as previously said. Some of these daggers, have been refurbished in Neaples
for the Allied troops as souvenir items, but some studies have been made
on monographic articles published in the years,stating that nobody can't exclude a different use.The matter needs an accurate search among the photos of the time. Bye, PaoloM

[Dennis S]

I know this is an old thread , but I just spotted it. I would like to add my two daggers to it. I have had many other variations of these in the past

[Dennis S]

backside

[Dennis S]

Variation made by Horster ( I believe only the blade) with white handle and bowie type blade.

[Dennis S]

another photo