Italian Air Force Fascist Period 1935-1943 Pilot Wings Silvestro Frezza Milano

Excellent gilt bronze pilot wings for the Italian Air Force (Reggio Aeronautica) between 1935 and 1943. Made by Silvestro Frezza of Milano. The wings measure 72mm across the wing tips. In very good condition. Marked on reverse Sartoria dell’ Aviatore Silvestro Frezza Milano. Prototypical Italian barrel clasp with pin on reverse.

The Italian used the “Fascio Littorio” as the symbol of the new state, which translates to the Lictorian Fasces. The symbol consists of a bundle of rods symbolizing strength in unity. The ax blade meant the administration of required discipline and sentence by the old Roman Magistrates since this was the symbol of justice in Roman courts. Mussolini added the lion’s head often seen slightly above the top of the axe blade. The lion being the symbol of strength. There are two types of fascios. The early type has the axe blade coming out of the top of the bundle of rods. The second pattern, used after 1930, has the axe blade on the side of the fascist bundle.