A true rarity. A stunning pair of shoulder boards for the gray-green uniform of the First Honorary Corporal of the Militia.

A true rarity. A stunning pair of shoulder boards for the gray-green uniform of the First Honorary Corporal of the Militia.

Exceptional gold bullion embroidery and red silk rank on a stiff base. The fasces, arranged transversely, is embroidered in gold bullion at the center, with a Roman eagle above it. Alternating two-tone edging, as with the Senior Officer shoulder boards, complements the gray-green gabardine uniform with a gray-green loop.

The honorary corporal is a military honorary rank awarded to high-ranking figures. In Italy during the Fascist regime, it was an honorary rank of the Volunteer Militia for National Security.

In the history of Fascist Italy, the honorary corporal was an honorary rank of the Volunteer Militia for National Security, corresponding to the Marshal of Italy of the Royal Army, the Grand Admiral of the Royal Navy, and the Air Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

It was established by Circular No. 11 of February 17, 1923, to be awarded to no more than 20 individuals who had distinguished themselves through "special merits." The first recipients of this honor were Benito Mussolini, Michele Bianchi, and Filippo Cremonesi; Mussolini was awarded only the title of First Honorary Corporal as commander of the MVSN.