Italian eagle knife question

**IanM** · 08-19-2020, 10:32 PM

Hi,

I have just been given a couple of knives that have been in my family since the 1st/2nd world wars, & I wondered if the more knowledgeable amongst you could provide further information?

Basically, I have been trying to identify exactly where these knives originated from, and recent research has led me to one looking German, & this one being an Italian MVSN Blackshirt knife. However, the grip on these look like wood, but all others online look like a black material? Also the scabbards look usually black?

If anyone can help, then many thanks.

Ian UK.

**kanister** · 08-20-2020, 06:42 AM

Yes, Italian "Becco d'aquila" High officers knife with the grips replaced.

**ziomanno** · 08-20-2020, 09:55 AM

It is just missing the black panels, with small "fascio".

**IanM** · 08-20-2020, 07:20 PM

Thank you Kanister & ziomanno.

Much appreciated!

**nachomenorca** · 08-24-2020, 05:08 PM

A real pity! A not so usual Knife, I like it! If it's mine I will try to find some original replacements

Nacho

**IanM** · 08-25-2020, 01:58 AM

Thanks Nachomenorca,

I will have a look online and see if original replacement grips are available anywhere. Although, knowing my luck, it will then be discovered in years to come that Mussolini had a skin allergy to certain knife grips & had the grips on his weapons replaced with wood!

Thanks again.

Ian.

**rra227** · 08-26-2020, 02:40 PM

Here are pics of the grip plates you are looking for. Not damaged like these of course. I have a knife like yours. Someone put wood in and painted it black. This dagger was made by F. Horster, Solingen. Rich A. in Pa.

**IanM** · 08-26-2020, 10:25 PM

Thank you Rich.

I will certainly keep a lookout for grip plates, but I am guessing it will be a case buying up a lesser quality knife for spares. Oh dear, I can see the beginning of a new hobby.

Thanks again.

Ian.

**rra227** · 08-27-2020, 12:04 PM

Good luck in your search. Rich A. in Pa.

**IanM** · 08-27-2020, 07:17 PM

Hi again,

I am having mixed thoughts on this, & now leaning toward keeping it as is.

Basically, I have just found on another forum that wood replacement grips whilst rare, are not so uncommon after all. One knife similar was even found to have a Italian prayer & instructions for a priest inside the cavity between the grips.

On top of this, there is the cost, & so on, but this is part of what was said.

I have come across this before Ian ...& it could be that the wood grips might have been added during the RSI era by some zealious Fascist loyalist ??.. as all emblems of the previous Royalist/fascist time were removed.. or replaced by the republican fascio !..you never know ?