Fez Grade...?

[Semovente]

Dastardly..the fez you own is superb...

[bbeck]

Leaders Fez

The person I found wearing this hat does not look like Mussolini to me. This picture is of fascist leader Michele Bianchi, looks like more than one person could of worn this type of fez....

[Raffaello Carola]

YES agree with bbeck the grade is "quadrumviro della Marcia su Roma", The second fez in photo in this thread
posted by member "dastardly" imho not is an good one; eagle, cord and grade are wrong.
cheers
Raffaello

P.S. was four high leaders : Emilio De Bòno, Italo Balbo , Michele Bianchi , De Vècchi Cesare Maria.

[dastardly]

Raffaello,
I always respect every collectors opinion on items, especially within their field of expertise. Had I not been there in Livorno in 1994 when I obtained this fez straight from the family off of a book shelf in their home covered in dust and some cobwebs, I would have thought the same as you since it does not completely conform to known and agreed upon standards. What I did not like about it was the cord (the eagle and grade are well aged/stained and never once did they cast any doubt in my mind - the grade looks exactly the same ones, sewn in the same unusual position as those of the high leaders in the photo with Mussolini posted on this thread). The family had this fez in their possession as far back as they knew and said it was worn by the husband's father's brother. It is made of high quality soft fur and shows no signs of ever being altered/fabricated. There is no doubt in my mind that it is a period original, but I do understand your concerns. Thanks for your input, Chris

[Semovente]

I still like it Dastardly...more so than the alledged 'Mussolini' fez !...Semovente

[dastardly]

Thank you Semovente. These fezes are so hard to judge given the different shops and tailors who made them to general standards, but not specific standards so they are all a bit different regarding the cloth used for the fez, the shape/design of the bullion eagle, the exact design of the black or bullion cord, the angle of the chevrons, etc. Getting one straight from the family vice buying one online also makes a world of a difference. Chris

[Semovente]

Thank you Semovente. These fezes are so hard to judge given the different shops and tailors who made them to general standards, but not specific standards so they are all a bit different regarding the cloth used for the fez, the shape/design of the bullion eagle, the exact design of the black or bullion cord, the angle of the chevrons, etc. Getting one straight from the family vice buying one online also makes a world of a difference. Chris

Yes i agree totaly..proof posative indeed for you ..& most collectors i think would be happy with if it all checked out ok for them !...cheers Semovente

[andrea]

The person I found wearing this hat does not look like Mussolini to me. This picture is of fascist leader Michele Bianchi, looks like more than one person could of worn this type of fez....

The fez wearing by Bianchi is for "caporale d'onore", there was about 13 "caporali d'onore" until 1928, after the number changes during the years ( also Hitler was awarded as Caporale D'onore". Please note that Mussolini was 1st Caporale D'onore.
About the Quadriunviri noted by Mr Carola only Bianchi could wear the Fez as "caporale" De vecchi, Balbo & De Bono were starting from1923 "Generali of Mvsn" wearing a fez with a band with 3 stars.
Caporale d'onore was an "honour" award .
Ciao
Andrea

[jules61]

Auction is closed!
Only 1500 Dollà for the Mussolini "Caporale D'Onore" Fez.
Not too much!

[PAOLORUBENS]

...

4/500 euros fez cost and 350/400 the eagle ... a bit more than 1000 USD , I would say not expensive even knowing is not original .

[andrea]

Auction is closed!
Only 1500 Dollà for the Mussolini "Caporale D'Onore" Fez.
Not too much!

To avoid confusion and misunderstanding the Fez was in the auction as " political leaders Fez " to say that it belong to Mussolini was a Waf member on this trehad, so the price for a "caporale d'onore fez" ,if it is genuine, is anyhow on my opinion to much..as all militaria items todays....but everithing depends, you know, by the money inside his own wallet....
Ciao
Andrea

[Semovente]

Andrea...i think you need very deep & bottomless pockets on your trousers more like...

[andrea]

Andrea...i think you need very deep & bottomless pockets on your trousers more like...

...Yes, something like the bags used by the beagle boys

[Semovente]

...Yes, something like the bags used by the beagle boys

....

[tgn]

I think you guys made a big mistake...