Description:

Mussolini Benito

Victor Emmanuel III and Benito Mussolini Signed Citizenship Document

 

Legal document written in Italian signed by King of Italy Victor Emmanuel III (1869-1947) as "Vittorio Emanuele" at top verso, and co-signed by Prime Minister and Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) as "Mussolini" at bottom verso. Both signatures are large, bold, and dark; Victor Emmanuel's measures 5.5" x 2" while Mussolini's measures 2.5" x 1.75". The "ni" of Mussolini's signature is slightly smeared. The printed and handwritten document is double-sided, and was probably once part of a bifold. Stamped, numbered, and docketed on the first page. In very good condition. The watermarked cream paper is moderately toned overall, with a few chipped edges and scattered foxed areas. A rusted pin impression with corresponding holes is found along the margin. Measures 9.625" x 14.5".

 

Both the symbolic and real leaders of Italy--Victor Emmanuel III and Benito Mussolini respectively--signed this citizenship document on July 8, 1929 in Rome. The document granted Italian citizenship to a thirty-one-year-old man of Yugoslavian heritage named Fioravante Antonio Robusa.

 

In part:

 

"Victor Emmanuel III, by the grace of God and the will of the nation King of Italy

 

In view of the request to obtain Italian citizenship presented by Mr. Fioravante Antonio Robusa, born in Trieste on 9 July 1898, [son] of Giuseppe and of Maria Visentin, Czechoslovakian subjects, residing in Trieste;

 

 

We have decreed and decree:

 

The aforementioned Mr. Fioravante Antonio Robusa is granted Italian citizenship, including the enjoyment of political rights, under the observance of the conditions and formulations established by Articles 5 and 13 of the aforementioned law [13 June 1912 law, #. 555] and by Articles 2 and 3 of the relative regulation approved by Royal Decree 2 August 1912, #. 949…"

 

Victor Emmanuel III officially ruled as King of Italy between 1900-1946, although 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.

 

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