Description

This is very rare and quite unique WWII Italian Fascist Tropical Aircraft Emblem removed from a « Macchi C.202 ».

The Macchi C.202 Folgore (Italian for « thunderbolt ») was a World War II fighter aircraft built by Macchi Aeronautica and operated mainly by the Regia Aeronautica for the Italian Air Force. Macchi aircraft designed by Mario Castoldi received the « C » letter in their model designation, hence the Folgore is referred to as the C.202 or MC.202. The C.202 was a development of the earlier C.200 Saetta, with an Italian-built version of the Daimler-Benz DB 601Aa engine and a redesigned, more streamlined fuselage. Considered to be one of the best wartime fighters to serve in large numbers with the Regia Aeronautica, the Folgore operated on all fronts in which Italy was involved. The piece has a specific set of rivets which matches it up to this type of aircraft.

This piece was removed carefully from the aircraft and measures 36x44 cm. The paint is in excellent condition, retaining well over 95%. The tan base along with dark forest green swirls is a common camouflage adapted for the tropical climate where the majority of these aircraft saw service. In the center of the panel  featured is the symbol of the Italian Fascists. The back of the panel retains also its original sea-green factory paint from the manufacture.

The original symbol of fascism, in Italy under Benito Mussolini, was the fasces. This is an ancient Imperial Roman symbol of power carried by lictors in front of magistrates; a bundle of sticks featuring an axe, indicating the power over life and death. Before the Italian Fascists adopted the fasces, the symbol had been used by Italian political organizations of various political ideologies (ranging from socialist to nationalist), called Fascio (« leagues ») as a symbol of strength through unity. This is nicely applied on the panel. Some normal wear, surfaces scratches, and light abrasions are present. Please make sure to check all the detailed photos below for better details. We have provided some period photos showing this rare combination and being used in the North African Theater. Only a handful of planes still survive today, non with original paint and emblems still intact.

This section of the plane is the only one we are aware of that retains its original tropical camouflage paint scheme and can be identified to this famous fighter. Uniquely rare piece and once in a lifetime offering only by LUX !

photos below for better details. We have provided some period photos showing this rare combination and being used in the North African Theater. Only a handful of planes still survive today, non with original paint and emblems still intact./This section of the plane is the only one we are aware of that retains its original tropical camouflage paint scheme and can be identified to this famous fighter. Uniquely rare piece and once in a lifetime offering only by LUX !