Storia del Fascismo - gioco di carte

Not to be confused with the Il Meneghello Storia del Fascismo pack, this undated pack was published by T&G Signorelli of Turin in a limited edition of 1,200 copies, of which the specific deck displayed here is no. 43.

Named individuals are presented on the court cards and on the 2s and 4s. The kings are Mussolini, the queens are his daughter Edda, his second wife Donna Rachelle, his daughter Anna Maria, and his mistress Claretta Petacci. The jacks display the four leaders that led Mussolini’s March on Rome in October 1922: Emilio de Bono, Cesare Maria De Vecchi, Michele Bianchi, and Italo Balbo. Those on the 2s and 4s are fascist politicians or leaders. The jokers are named “Balilla” and “Piccola italiana” -- this probably refers to the Italian Fascist youth movement (1926-1937) which was organized in three main sections, the Balilla (8–15‐year‐old boys), the Avanguardie (15–18‐year‐old boys), and the Piccole Italiane (for girls).

Above: Storia del Fascismo published by T&G Signorelli of Turin, undated.

Although the cards have standard 4-corner indices, the suits actually displayed on the pip cards are symbols and artifacts associated with Italian fascism. There are two extra cards, one with the artist’s signature, and the other with a statement in Italian by Mussolini►