ROME -- The Treasury Ministry unpacked a crate of Benito Mussolini's belongings Friday, displaying mud-splattered overalls the dictator's mistress is believed to have worn when they tried to flee Italy in disguise at the end of World War II.
The dark blue garment was among a hodgepodge of Mussolini items mundane and magnificent tucked away for 40 years in a ministry storeroom.Officials spread the goods out on three tables at a ministry hall, telling reporters the items were found in a farmhouse near Lake Como in northern Italy, where partisans shot Mussolini and his mistress, Claretta Petacci, on April 28, 1945.
In October, the Treasury Ministry announced it would reveal the contents of over 500 crates and boxes -- confiscated from Fascist officials by Italian authorities in 1949 -- before transferring them to the custody of the Bank of Italy.
One crate, labeled "Objects pertaining to the ex-Duce" but dubbed "Mussolini's Treasure" by the media, was thought to contain valuables the dictator was trying to smuggle out of Italy as the Allied armies liberated the country.
But what was revealed Friday was no treasure trove.
Laid out on two of the tables were some of Il Duce's personal belongings, apparently gathered up hastily as he tried to escape the partisans.
Along with the mechanic's overalls, there was a soft-sided hat inlaid with sheepskin -- popular with motorcyclists during the war -- an army field blanket, various bank notes, including a fake dollar bill, and an assortment of military and commemorative medals.
There were priceless items as well, including a golden Collare dell' Annunziata, one of the highest honors awarded to citizens during the Italian monarchy.
Italy's first premier, Camillo Benso di Cavour, wore the medal before Mussolini did, in the 19th century.
Two women's necklaces -- one amber, the other crystal -- glittered among the medals.
Items on a third table, consisting mainly of silver jugs, platters and candleholders, belonged to a general who served under the dictator, officials said.