The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Military
Pietro Badoglio (1871–1956): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 28 September 1871, Grazzano Monferrato |
|---|---|
| Died | 1 November 1956, Grazzano Badoglio |
| Key offices | Chief of Staff (1919–21 and from 1925); Governor of Libya (1928–34); Prime Minister (July 1943 – June 1944) |
| Documents bearing his name | Military orders, appointments, letters and signed photographs |
| In the collection | See current pieces in the collection |
Pietro Badoglio served Italy as a general in the First World War, as Mussolini’s chief of staff and conqueror of Ethiopia, and finally as the prime minister who took Italy out of the alliance with Germany in 1943.
Who Was Pietro Badoglio?
Badoglio was born in Grazzano Monferrato in 1871. His forces were defeated at Caporetto in October 1917, but he later conducted Italy’s armistice talks. He was chief of staff in 1919–21 and again from 1925, and governor of Libya from 1928 to 1934. He captured Addis Ababa in the war against Ethiopia of 1935–36 and was made Duke of Addis Ababa. He resigned as chief of staff on 4 December 1940.
What Documents Bear Badoglio’s Signature?
His signature appears on military orders and appointments, government documents of 1943–44, letters and signed photographs. Heads of state and senior officials did not sign everything issued in their name: printed and stamped facsimiles, secretarial signatures and signatures “by order” are common on routine documents. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Office and date: prime ministerial documents date from July 1943 to June 1944.
- Typed copies of orders are common.
- The Ethiopian war, including the use of poison gas, is part of the context of any document from that campaign.
The Armistice of 1943
After Mussolini’s fall on 25 July 1943, Badoglio became prime minister. The armistice with the Allies was signed on 3 September and announced on 8 September 1943, and on 13 October Italy declared war on Germany. He resigned in June 1944.
Collector’s Note
Badoglio’s career runs from Caporetto to the armistice of 1943. The date on his document places it in a very different Italy each time.
Related Entries and Pieces
Pieces in the Collection
Browse current pieces related to Pietro Badoglio in the Autographs & Militaria collection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Badoglio prime minister?
From July 1943 to June 1944.
When was the Italian armistice announced?
On 8 September 1943; it had been signed on 3 September.
What title did Badoglio receive after Ethiopia?
Duke of Addis Ababa.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology.
References & Further Reading
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, Pietro Badoglio.