AUCTIONS IMPERIAL JUNE 2020 ARMS & ARMOR
Lot 206:
Description
The case of solid mahogany with brass fittings, lined in green fabric with a small capped recess in one corner containing balls, patches and the key. The lid with a large, sterling silver plaque inscribed, I COLLEGHI DEL COMANDO CORPO S.M. / ROMA OTTOBRE 1937 XV / A. PALIANI, and set with a Fascist Kingdom of Italy eagle badge with enameled cross of Savoy.
The case contains a fine pair of large silver pistols, a large silver dagger and a silver priming flask. The pistols are of extremely fine workmanship characteristic of those produced in Ioannina. The silver stocks nearly straight, and embellished throughout with delicately embossed, chased and cast motifs including Greek scrolling vinework, with the elaborate bead finial on each buttcap characteristic of Ioannina pistols. The elegant flintlocks retaining most original bright finish, the imported barrels with flats at the breech struck with a maker’s mark, the muzzles retained by long and finely-modeled forearm caps. The dagger quite massive as well, the mounts wrought entirely of silver and finely embossed and engraved in baroque flowering vinework, the grip of characteristic form, intended for a big man. The long, lightly-curved and double-edged blade handwrought, with a pronounced central ridge. The priming flask likewise of silver, filigreed overall, with cylindrical cap. Latter 18th century. Minor rubbing to exterior of case and slight lifting to lid, one forearm cap replaced in period, key enters aperture but case does not lock. Overall length of the case 63.7cm. General Alberto Pariani (1876-1955) distinguished himself during WWI and was made Commander of the 6th Alpine Regiment. He was promoted to full general in 1933, became chief of staff to Mussolini in 1934, and Chief of Staff and Under-Secretary of War in 1936. In 1939, and again in 1943, he was placed in charge of Italian forces in Albania as well as being appointed Governor General of Albania. Pariani was regarded with great respect, not only by Mussolini but by Hitler and the Wehrmacht. He was a noted strategist who, before WWII, proposed friendly relations to General Alexandros Papagos, Chief of the Army General Staff, rather than invading Greece. Two press photos of Genral Pariani are included in this lot. Condition II
Share this lot:
