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Soldiers, Sailors and Violinists: Benito Mussolini's 300-Year-Old Violin to Sell for $250,000 in Bonhams London on May 12

This machine certainly doesn't kill fascists, that was, instead, the Italian people during World War II.

I am, of course, speaking of Benito Mussolini, whose violin will be auctioned in Bonhams London on May 12.

The violin is projected to bank $250,000 (nothing compared to the $45 Million MacDonald Strad that David Aaron Carpenter played at Sotheby's).

The 300-year-old piece of wood is obviously noteworthy, having been crafted by Girolamo Hieronymus Amati in the 1700s. Amati's father taught Stradivarius and his grandfather is credited with the invention of the entire violin instrument.

Mussolini, according to Limelight, owned the violin years prior to the war and was said to be a skilled musician who performed publically with his son Romano.

"Amati violins are keenly sought after for the quality of their craftsmanship and the beauty of their sound," said Philip Scott, Bonhams' Director of Musical Instruments.

He continued, "It is a little-known fact that Mussolini was a keen violinist ... if only he had stuck to music and given up politics."

In 2011, Mussolini's suitcase that he used to flee from Italy in 1943 sold for $6,325 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas. This "bloodstained memorabilia" sells for some serious coin, and the violin is no different.

Forgotten him? Well, countrymen, here's the famous speech.

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