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Historic Clothing Ensemble of Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini and Mistress Clara Petacci, Captured

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Historic Clothing Ensemble of Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini and Mistress Clara Petacci, Captured
Historic Clothing Ensemble of Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini and Mistress Clara Petacci, Captured During Their Attempted Escape. Comprising: 1) Original four-pocket grey gabardine wool military tunic and matching riding breeches, marked: L. Beretta & Co., both devoid of insignia and once the property of Benito Mussolini. According to consignor, the stripes and insignia were removed as souvenirs by partisans at the time of the capture. 2) Khaki two-pocket Italian military shirt. 3) Dark rust-colored wool dress belonging to Mussolini's mistress Clara Petacci. All contained in the original brown leather suitcase the clothing was in when captured by Italian partisans [lock marked: Sarantie]. Sold together with several modern photos of the Italian couple depicted in life and death. Italian partisans carried out swift justice on Italian fascist Mussolini and his mistress Clara Petacci. They were stopped on April 27, 1945 while trying to escape to Switzerland to board a plane for neutral Spain. The couple were captured near the village of Mezzegra, Italy. They were shot and their bodies exhibited in public squares in Como and Milan [see photo]. According to witnesses, Petacci hugged Mussolini and refused to move away from him before they were dispatched. The two were both executed by shooting in the back. Mussolini and Petacci were caught near Lake Como, driving in a car with his uniform covered by a German greatcoat. He was driving in a column of German cars to escape observation but was recognized by an Italian Customs guard. The opinion of the partisan General Cadorna, son of the former field marshal, was that their executions were regrettable. Nevertheless, in this case, he considered the execution of the couple a good thing, since popular indignation against the Fascists demanded some satisfaction. The risk of a protracted trial, such as has been taking place in Rome, was thus avoided. This historic ensemble represents the clothing the couple had as a second outfit, [they were murdered in the clothes they were wearing]. The clothing came under the control of Charles Poletti's secretary, Paul Moriconi. It has been the property of the Moriconi family until offered at this time [see other related items related to Mussolini in this auction].Condition: Clothing: All showing wear with all insignia removed and dress with minor tears. Suitcase with wear, minor tears and repairs in evidence.