Description
This is the personal car pennant of Italian General Annibale Bergonzoli nicknamed “Barba Elettrica” and/or “Electric Whiskers”.
A little background:
Between 1936 and 1939, Bergonzoli was ordered by Benito Mussolini to Spain, forming part of the Corpo Truppe Volontarie, in support of General Francisco Franco and the military rebels during the Spanish Civil War, with Bergonzoli taking charge of the 4th Infantry Division Littorio.
After the defeat suffered by the Italian troops at the battle of Guadalajara, he was the only Italian general posted to Spain who was not replaced by Benito Mussolini.
For his performance in the capture of Santander during the northern campaign, he received an Italian decoration, the Gold Medal of Military Valour. Throughout his career he received two other Silver and one Bronze Medals. He was one of the architects of the so-called Pact of Santoña, by which the Italians accepted the agreed surrender of the Republican People’s Army militants affiliated to the Basque Nationalist Party. He also participated in the Aragon Offensive against the troops of the Republican Popular Army.
More here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annibale_Bergonzoli
When one googles his name many thousands of hits show up.
The here offered car pennent is extremely rare and as far as i know the only one known. It is unused and still has a paper label attached. Also the metallic small “flagpole” with typical halberd on top is present. The flag was found with a gold pin, which we offer elsewhere on the website.
The flag itself has some dirt and age to it after 80 years of history. I’d still rate it as in decent condition.
On the blue field is embroidered in yellow the typical symbol that Bergonzoli is known for and which he wore on his collartabs and hat.
This is an extremely rare original item that deserves a prober research. When googling for ten minutes i already found a picture of Bergonzoli with a similar (?) flag.
The size of the pennant is 27 cm from tip to wide side. The height of the pole is 29 cm from the top of the helberd to the screwpart at the bottom.
An unique piece of both Italian and Spanish wartime history!!!!
