Banner, MVSN 'Ex marmore pectora' - 1920s/1930s
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
Banner of the Apuan Legion. Front side. © INTERFOTO / Alamy Stock Photo.
Banner of the Apuan Legion. Back side. © INTERFOTO / Alamy Stock Photo.