Italy, Kingdom. A National Fascist Party/MVSN Dress Bayonet, Unofficial and Privately-Purchased Example, by F.M. Mattsson

An interesting and well-preserved Italian National Fascist Party (PNF)/MVSN dress bayonet, measuring 34.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 20.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. A fuller runs the majority of the upper edge of each side of the blade. It sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy hilt with an intact leather buffer pad covering the seam. A maker’s mark of “F.M. MATTSSON, MORA” is visible on the ricasso, indicating production by the noted Swedish producer of edged weapons and metal goods. The hilt features a hooked quillon and pommel, the latter in the form of a double-sided lions’ head, with a pebbled clamshell emanating from the crossguard, in turn bearing a shield defaced by an engraved fasces. A stamped name of “FARINACCI” is visible on the reverse of the crossguard, and is either an owner attribution or reference to noted fascist-era politician Roberto Farinacci. Two pieces of black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fastened in place with dual metal rivets which sit flush with the surface. Accompanying the bayonet is its original scabbard, constructed of an anodized magnetic metal shaft. A stud emanates from the side of the shaft just beneath the throat for the accommodation of a frog, which is constructed of multiple panels of brown leather and stitched into a loop for belt suspension. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks and loss of nickel plating to the blade, minor loss of nickel plating to the hilt, and a small chip to the obverse handle grip. This unusual and privately-purchased bayonet remains in a better than very fine condition.