*Belgian, WW2 War Toy, Benito Mussolini doing a Fascist salute, by Durso*
Durso: One piece construction figure of Mussolini in black shirt, saluting. Circa 1960s. Approx 8.2cm tall, 2cm x 1.9cm base. Marked Durso, Made in Belgium
Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini[a] (29 July 1883 – 28 April 1945) was an Italian dictator who founded and led the National Fascist Party (PNF). He served as Prime Minister of Italy from the March on Rome in 1922 until his ousting in 1943, and was the Duce of Italian fascism from the inception of the Italian Fasces of Combat in 1919 until his execution in 1945 by Italian partisans. As Italy’s dictator and a key figure in the development of fascism, Mussolini was instrumental in promoting and fostering fascist movements globally during the inter-war period.
The Durso line of toy soldiers, conceived by Michel Klimov in Belgium in 1935, initially bore markings like “BELGIUM,” “BELGIQUE,” or “FABRICATION BELGE” until 1938. A factory, named “ALMA” (Ateliers Liegeois de Moulage Artistique), was established in 1938, replacing these markings with “ALMA” on the figures. By 1945, the superior quality Durso line, derived from the Latin “Duratum ac Solidum” (durable and solid), supplanted the “ALMA” figures. Despite challenges during World War II, including German occupation, Durso continued production, controversially including Russian figures initially justified as representing the conflict in Finlandia in 1939. These figures, notably flagbearers with the Russian flag, became symbols of Belgian resistance after the German defeat at Stalingrad, prominently displayed by Belgian students. Concurrently, Belgian children often played with German figures, often missing their heads. Although less varied, Durso soldiers are recognized for their exceptional quality.
*Condition*
In good used condition with some paint wear, please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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