This banner, dating to the 1920s or 1930s and measuring 58 cm in length, was created for the 85th Motorized Blackshirt Battalion of the Apuan Legion of the Voluntary Militia for National Security (Milizia Volontaria Sicurezza Nazionale, MVSN), based in Massa in northern Tuscany. The back side features the battalion’s full name, ‘85 Battaglione autoportato CC NN,’ with ‘CC NN’ denoting ‘Camicie Nere’ (Blackshirts), below an eagle with fasces, embroidered in gold on a black banner cloth. On the front side, the Italian colours are displayed with the Latin motto, bordered by a golden fringe.

The Latin phrase ex marmore pectora has no direct equivalent in classical Latin but resonates with the Italian expression cuore or petto di marmo (‘heart of marble’). While the expression may carry a negative connotation of coldness and insensitivity, in military contexts, it conveys resolve, strength, and audacity. While in Fascist rhetoric, granite was commonly the preferred stone for comparisons, the reference to marble in this context alludes to the abundant marble excavations in the battalion's region, particularly the renowned Carrara mines. The same motto was also displayed on postcards produced for the Apuan Legion.

Han Lamers