Rare Mussolini Signed Document – 1927 Vittorio Emanuele III
Whether you are interested in military history, historical autographs, or the interwar period between the first and second World Wars, you’ll be excited about this rare dual signed Mussolini signed document.
Let’s look at the history of this document as well as its importance as a piece of Fascist Italy memorabilia.
What is This Royal Decree That Mussolini Signed?
This document is a military decree signed from interwar Italy on June 16th, 1927. The one page document appoints officer cadet Rizzi Alessio as second lieutenant in the engineering corps, penned in Italian.
This document is unique for several reasons including:
- Dual signatures of King Vittorio Emanuele III and Benito Mussolini, which captures the early Fascist regime’s friction.
- A tangible piece of the “King + Duce” partnership that ruled Italy until the 1943 fall of Mussolini.
- Specifically names Rizzi Alessio as the recipient of an immediate promotion, whereas many of these types of Military Decrees are mass-produced and stamped.
- Mentions an additional name, De Vito Giuseppe, showing it came from an official ledger of promotions.
- Dated in Anno V of the Fascist Era, right after the laws that dismantled democracy in Italy
- Easy-to-read Italian script and historical “damage” from original binding that adds to its story.
Despite being nearly 100 years old, this Italian fascist decree signed by Mussolini and Vittorio Emanuele III is in fine condition, with excellent legibility and binder slits from its original filing. The Benito Mussolini autograph is clearly displayed in the lower right hand corner and has been authenticated as legitimate Fascist Italy memorabilia.
The approximate English translation of the letter reads:
Vittorio Emanuele III
BY THE GRACE OF GOD AND BY THE WILL OF THE NATION
King of Italy
Having seen the law of March 11, 1926, no. 559, on the status of officers of the Royal Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force;
Having seen the Royal Decree of December 30, 1923, no. 2997;
On the proposal of the Head of Government, Prime Minister and Secretary of State, and Secretary of State for War,
We have decreed and decree:
The officer cadet sergeant
Rizzi Alessio
is appointed second lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers with seniority dated June 16, 1927, in the category of reserve officers.
Followed by the name De Vito Giuseppe.
Our aforementioned Minister is charged with the execution of the present decree, which shall be registered with the Court of Auditors.
Given at Rome on the 16th day of June 1927. Year V.
Vittorio Emanuele
Mussolini
Historical Significance of the 1927 Mussolini Document
The period in which Mussolini and Vittorio Emanuele III signed this document is a critical piece not only of Italian history, but of world history.
During the interwar period between 1919 and 1939, the time between WWI and WW2, Benito Mussolini and the current king of Italy Vittorio Emannuele III helped to transform Italy into the world’s first fascist dictatorship of the era.
While Mussonlini had been the Prime Minister since March of 1922, Mussolini was still solidifying his rule as a dictator by establishing a police state, banning opposing parties, and controlling the press. That type of rule would continue into World War II, and eventually transform the world.
Vittorio Emannuele III had been the King of Italy for nearly 27 years at this point, and would continue to be King until May 9th, 1946. While both Benito Mussolini and King Vittorio Emmanuel III were prominent leaders during this era, they had a tense relationship, making their dual signatures on the signed military decree even more interesting.
The King had appointed Mussolini to prevent civil war. This appointment enabled the fascist dictatorship to come.
However, Mussolini despised the King, who would remain uninvolved during this era. The King would sign WWI & WWII documents including fascist laws, but would rarely intervene, which meant he passively helped Benito Mussolini become a true dictator.
Eventually, King Vittorio Emmanuel III would have Mussolini arrested in 1943 helping to dismantle the period’s fascism. Still, the damage had been done. Benito Mussonlini has dismantled Italy’s democracy and political opposition through extreme violence and heavy propaganda.
As an Axis power during the war, they left behind destruction and ruin. By the end of the war, they had caused over 450,000 military and civilian deaths. Yet documents like this dual-signed Military Decree are still here to remind us of Italy’s history, fascist period, and Mussolini’s rule.
As for Rizzi Alessio, the officer cadet who received a promotion according to Law 559, related to reforming officer careers, not much is known of him. What we know comes from this rare World War II memorabilia. He was a “cadetto” or officer cadet in the Royal Army and was promoted to “Sottotenente” or Second Lieutenant in the Genio (Royal Engineer Corps) reserve category.
The Journey of the Rare Mussolini Military Decree
During the period immediately following the signing of this authentic Mussolini military appointment document, it was likely kept as official state and military record. You can still see the marks left by original binding, giving this document character and adding to its history.
It survived through the entire Second World War, including the fall of Mussolini, the Armistice between Italy aad the Allies, and the German Occupation after. Many such Italian fascist artifacts and WWII autographs were likely destroyed this era, scattered during the chaos of the end of World War II, or kept privately to avoid any involvement with the fallen disgraced regime.
While we are unsure exactly of the history of the document up until it reached AntiqueArmory.com, we’re proud to hold this Signed Mussolini military document and make it available to enthusiasts of 20th century military history collectibles.
Add This Document to Your Collection
This fascinating piece of Italian history during the rise of Mussolini’s fascist dictatorship is a new addition to Antique Armory’s massive collection. As such a unique, dual-signed piece of history it is unlikely to be available for long, as it will be a prized addition for collectors of WWII historical autographs, Mussolini memorabilia, military history, and more. Learn more about Benito Mussolini here
If you are interested in adding the rare Mussonlini and Vittorio Emanuele III signed military decree to your collection, you can click here to get it before it’s gone.
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