Mussolini's gold-embellished hat tops Milestone's $810,000 military auction
A gold-embellished hat belonging to fascist dictator Benito Mussolini was the top lot at Milestone's April 18 Premier Military & Edged Weapons Auction, which realized $810,000 including buyer's premium. The 723-lot sale featured US uniforms, helmets, medals, flags, and hundreds of British, German, Japanese, and other World War II relics. Edged weapons including swords, knives, katanas, and daggers attracted specialty collectors. Mussolini's hat, associated with his honorary title Marshal of the Empire, was the standout item among the militaria.
Key facts
- Milestone held a Premier Military & Edged Weapons Auction on April 18.
- The auction featured 723 lots including US uniforms, helmets, medals, flags, and WWII relics.
- Edged weapons such as swords, knives, katanas, and daggers were available.
- The sale totaled $810,000 including buyer's premium.
- The top lot was a gold-embellished hat belonging to Benito Mussolini.
- Mussolini assumed the honorary title Marshal of the Empire during WWII.
- The auction paid tribute to US armed forces from the American Revolution to modern times.
- Milestone's co-founder and principal auctioneer closed the sale.
Entities
Artists
- Benito Mussolini
Institutions
- Milestone