Italy, Social Republic. A Rare Armoured Group Leonessa Crewman’s Jacket And Crash Helmet

A rare uniform and accessory group to a member of the Italian Social Republic’s Armoured Group Leonessa, consisting of:

1. A service jacket constructed of heavy black leather. It features a turned-down collar which transitions into double breast lapels. The collar is flanked by gilded bronze insignia consisting of red enameled stylized initials “M” intertwined with fasces, both measuring 42 mm (w) x 32 mm (h). The cuff of each sleeve features an integral strap with a reinforced buttonhole meeting a black bakelite button, itself etched with a swastika. Dual side pockets are set into the lower half of each breast flap. It closes with four black bakelite buttons, similarly etched with swastika and distributed in pairs of two on each side, meeting a pair of reinforced buttonholes. The interior is fully encompassed by a brown wool liner. A single leather-reinforced pocket is set into the upper right breast flap, while the collar retains a maker’s label reading “CONFEZIONI EXTRA LUSSO - F.P.M.”. It measures approximately 45 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 61 cm, and an overall body length of 85 cm. Minor, age-appropriate material fatigue is visible to the leather, while the interior liner demonstrates moderate mothing throughout. It is in an overall very fine condition.

2. A matching belt, constructed of pressed black leather. One end is perforated with six eyelets for an adjustable fit, in turn meeting a bronze buckle set into the opposite end. An additionals trap of identical construction and appearance is affixed to the larger belt. The latter measures 137 cm in total length. Unmarked, the belt is in a near extremely fine condition.

3. A matching crash helmet, constructed of a reinforced black leather shell. The lower edge of the exterior features a reinforced padded black leather bar fully surrounding the rim. The crown is flanked by ventilation holes which are reinforced with black-painted aluminum eyelets with mesh screens for maximum functionality. Pinned onto the peak of the helmet is a patinated bronze skull and crossbones measuring 50 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). The interior features a black leather neck guard, providing optional protection from the elements, which is rolled up and secured inside when not in use. It features an additional brown leather interior liner consisting of seven fingers, all perforated at the top with an eyelet through which is looped an original drawstring. Stamped onto one of the fingers is a size mark of “56”. Otherwise unmarked, the helmet measures approximately 21.5 cm (w) x 24 cm (l) x 15 cm (h). Age-appropriate material fatigue is evident throughout the helmet, and includes cracking and flaking throughout the exterior. It remains in a very fine condition.

4. A photograph showing the uniform in wear by a crewman of what appears to be an L3/35 tankette. The reverse features a Ferrania paper mark and brief handwritten inscription. Measuring 135 mm (w) x 85 mm (h), this superb accompaniment to the uniform is in an extremely fine condition.