ITALY, Opera Nazionale Balilla, A X [1932], a bronze medal by A. Bellini, head of Benito Mussolini left, wearing a lion-skin in the guise of Hercules, rev. elevation of a tower, 50mm, 102.46g (Casolari X/38; cf. Varesi e13, 2075). Snick in edge by base of tower, otherwise very fine, scarce £50-£70

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Silich Collection of Historical and Art Medals.

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bt Simmons, April 2009

The Opera Nazionale Balilla was an Italian Fascist youth organisation functioning from 1926 until 1937, when it was absorbed into the Gioventù Italiana del Littorio, a youth section of the National Fascist Party. It took its name from Balilla, the nickname of Giovan Battista Perasso, a Genoese boy who, according to local legend, started the revolt of 1746 against the Habsburg forces that occupied the city in the War of Austrian Succession. Perasso was chosen as the inspiration for his supposed age and revolutionary activity, while his presence in the fight against Austria reflected the stance taken by early fascism, and by Italy's victories in World War I.