Lot 379

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

Victor Emmanuel III & Benito Mussolini Huge Signatures on Military Document

3pp of a bifolium partly printed, measuring 9.5" x 14.625", Rome, Italy, dated March 1, 1938. Document No. 7, signed by King of Italy and Emperor of Ethiopia Victor Emmanuel III (1869-1947) as "Vittorio Emanuele" and cosigned by Prime Minister and Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) as "Mussolini". With additional signatures by what appears to be the Minister of War and The Court of Accounts. The document records the names of individuals who are to resign or whose admission has been revoked in various branches of the Italian military. Written in Italian. The text loosely translates as:

"By the grace of God and by the will of the nation King of Italy Emperor of Ethiopia

Regarding Law No. 1026 of 16 June 1935 on the status of officers of the Royal Army; Regarding the decree of the Minister for Agriculture and Forests of 24 December 1937 - XVI registered at the Court of Auditors on January 1938-XVI; Regarding the decree of the Minister of Finance of September 28, 1937 - XV, registered at the Court of Auditors on December 21, 1937-XVI.

On the proposal of the Head of Government Prime Minister Secretary of State and Minister Secretary of War, We have decreed and decree…the official supplemental sub notations have been involved in the loss of the degree for voluntary decommissions given to each indicated, in accordance with the data given, pursuant to Article 82, paragraph 1 of Law June 16, 1935, no. 1026, because they are admitted, on application, to the Royal Academy of Infantry and Cavalry in Modena, as students…"

The document goes on to administer the same fate to those in the Artillery and Engineers, as well as "deleting from the roster of army officers military applicants to the School for the National Militia State Forces in Florence…the Royal Aeronautical Academy… and the Royal Financial Police." Both signatures are large, bold, and dark, Victor Emmanuel's measuring 6.25" x 1.5", and Mussolini's measuring 3.125" x 1.5". Stamped, numbered, and docketed on the third page. With dampstaining and soiling at the edges. Areas of chipping at the right edge, affecting a small portion of each signature.

Victor Emmanuel III officially ruled as King of Italy between 1900-1946, and he essentially served as a puppet king to Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini between 1925-1943. Victor Emmanuel III also claimed sovereignty over Albania and Ethiopia during World War II. Today, Victor Emmanuel is criticized for accommodating Mussolini and the rise of the Fascists in Italy. Yet the king's ability to withstand so many tumultuous political changes during his reign certainly demonstrates his shrewdness and tenacity. Benito Mussolini, a former war veteran and right-wing journalist, had become leader of Italy's National Fascist Party after World War I. He was appointed Prime Minister in 1922, a title that he would hold until his dismissal in 1943, but in reality, he served as a de facto dictator between 1925 and his dismissal in 1943. Under Mussolini, Italy and its one-party political system devoted itself to recapturing the lost glories of the Roman Empire. Secret police, propaganda, and strict state regulation of all aspects of life ensured almost universal compliance.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item.


Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

March 3, 2021 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000