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linseed — Italian Squadristi 1920s
Published: 2008-08-05 15:37:05 +0000 UTC; Views: 3814; Favourites: 22; Downloads: 27
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Description
A uniform study of one of Mussolini's squadristi. The black shirted squadristi were the Italian fascists armed henchmen. The uniform, weapons and iconography were all directly inspired by the Italian army's Arditi assault troops.Related content
Comments: 7
Excellent drawing, great attention to details!
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no, the uniform of the Ardito was quite different.
first of all the use of crew neck sweater
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True the Arditi did wear crew neck sweaters, but they also wore a black fez, black tie, black flame collar insignia, prevalent skull iconography, and carried a dagger, both as a weapon and as a martial symbol.
All these elements were co-opted by the fascist squadristi. The most obvious similarity is the fascist MVSN gladium sleeve badge which is a close copy of the Ardito's highly prized insignia.
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No.
The "ardito" wear a uniform of the same color of the normal soldiers. It is a deep grey-green color (called the "grigioverde").
They don't use fez but normal "adrian" helmet.
Black flame collar insigna was used only by some "Reparti" called "non irrigimentati" (not regimental).
Arditi from Alpini and Bersaglieri used green and red flames.
For reference in english (if you don't speak italian): "OSPREY Warrior 087 - italian arditi".
About fascist stolen stylen of the arditi there's another sociological-political discussion, but it's long and my english too poor to explain.
Ardisco non ordisco!
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Already have the Osprey title thanks (indeed it's where I got most of my information) I think perhaps you're putting to much stress on my use of the word 'inspired', perhaps 'co-opted', would work better.
The early fascists used the imagery and style of the Ardito deliberately to try to associate their movement with the highly respected and glamorous Arditi. In the same way as the 'Legionari Fiumani' based their uniforms on the Arditi. I'm not trying to say there is any wider connection between the Arditi and the fascists, merely that the fascists deliberately copied elements of the Arditi's uniform.
As for the socio-political argument regarding the fascists attempt to associate themselves with the legacy of the Arditi, I think perhaps we would agree more than you might think.
My drawings of military/political uniforms comes from my interest in the practical design of military clothing and equipment and how insignia and clothing items are used to convey authority and national or political identity.Rather than from any particular political sympathies.
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ok sorry, no stress!
I was just talking about the differences between Arditi and Fascists.
"inspired" is correct.
It wasn't a political disquisition.
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