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PRESENTATION CANE GIVEN TO BENITO MUSSOLINI

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:375.00 USD Estimated At:750.00 - 1,000.00 USD
PRESENTATION CANE GIVEN TO BENITO MUSSOLINI
An elaborately-carved oak cane presented to dictator Benito Mussolini by Hungarian admirers upon the occasion of his state visit to Hungary. From Jan. 9-12, 1938 representatives of the Austrian, Hungarian, and Italian governments reaffirmed the protocols between the three states to maintain the status quo in Danubian region, essentially reassuring each other of the validity of various parties' claims to territories in the region. The solid wood cane stands 38 1/2" tall and bears a checkered background wherever it lacks designs. The top of the cane is inset in two places with a lighter-colored wood with checkered and floral design. Images in relief include ferns, a cross and crown, the inscription: "ROMA CAPO DEL MUNDO", symbols of Rome and Hungary, a maiden carrying a banner reading: "VIVA LA PATRIA", a portrait of Italian poet Dante, a hawk, and a very lengthy scroll with the inscription in Italian: "With greatest admiration to our Duce from two Hungarians, John Horvath and Stephen Morvai. Long live the friendship of Italy and Hungary". The top of the handle is cracked on both sides but could be restored. Accompanied by a period card from Mussolini's government secretary who "logged-in" this gift at the time of its receipt, describing the gift, the name of the donor, and the date of receipt (a previous owner erroneously labeled it a "museum" card). A fine relic.