Miniature examples of most edged weapons were produced to be used as letter openers or desk ornaments. Frequently they are referred to as half-size or three quarter-size examples. The larger size examples are generally of higher quality. Many manufacturers purchased miniature weapons and had their name or name of their product etched on the blade. The miniature was then given to customers as gifts. Since miniatures were of a paramilitary nature they were not subject to the controls of their large counterparts. Frequently, miniatures will be encountered with so-called manufacture "artist license".
MINI #28267 Forestry Miniature - Alcoso
These three quarter size deluxe forestry cutlasses by Alcoso are among the rarest of all miniatures. If you do not know what these pieces look like, you can see a nice example in Johnson’s Volume IV on Page 276 or if you have a copy of Skipper Greenwade’s book “Solingen Made Me”, you can see a very fine example on Page 228. This piece looks as good or better than the above two mentioned examples. If features choice silvered hilt fittings throughout. The top pommel is a curved oval variety having oak leaves which run around its circumference. The oak leaves look to have been all hand-enhanced and they are not perfect looking, but they do give a quality look about the piece. Atop the center area is a tang nut which is in the shape of an acorn. In this instance, the cap of the acorn is positioned against the pommel. The ferrule is very similar to that of an army dagger, having oak leaves overlapping each other running about the surface. The cross guard is a fine example, having a center block of oak leaves on both sides and then stretching out are two branch-like quillon arms which also have leaf-like oak leaf detail throughout. These quillons end in rounded shapes. This example has a clamshell positioned beneath the cross guard. The clamshell depicts a large stag lying between two females. There is a forest glen which surrounds the three animals. The silvering throughout these pieces is in excellent condition and does not appear to have been cleaned in many years. The grip is made from a portion of genuine stag. It has nice, pleasing colors of tan and brown and has graining which is raised out and runs lengthwise. This grip is in perfect condition and is very nicely fitted to these hilt pieces. The scabbard is a shell made of green leather over a composition material . This leather has very fine grain and is decorated with twin lines running down both of the edges. The leather is in excellent condition, showing some minor age but still very pleasing to the eye. The mounts of this scabbard are silver plated matching the hilt. The upper mount is decorated with a acorn which would have duplicated the lug fitting. This acorn has nice detail to its cap and a good point at the lower area. The throat is a built-in fitting. The edge of the mount is scalloped, matching that of the lower mount. This lower example is extremely elaborate, depicting a panel with a forest glen. Standing proudly within the glen under a tree is a very large stag with well-pointed rack. Below this magnificent animal is a panel featuring three oak leaves. The reverse of the lower and upper mount are plain. The chape is a ball-like shape having some engraving around its edges. The blade of this example shows a little bit of usage, being a double-etched, single edge type. This blade has forest scenes etched on both sides. The etching on the obverse shows a dog sniffing around in a forest, a fox looking to his left and at the end there is a panel of floral plants. The reverse side depicts a couple of stags fighting with each other with a tree in the center for protection and on the end is a fence within a forest and more floral scenes. This fine blade has a ricasso and it is nickel plated, having good frosted backgrounds to the etchings. The point shows a little use from opening letters, but other than that the blade is in good shape and is still bright, having all of its plating. It easily rates in near mint condition. The reverse ricasso it etched with the trademark used by this firm from 1937-1939. It consists of a set of scales having the firm’s initials interspersed “ACS”. Above, in an arch being block lettered, is the name of the firm “Alcoso”. Below is the city location “Solingen”. There is a nice green felt buffer which protects the blade. This is an outstanding miniature and is the first one of these types that I have had the pleasure to offer in many years. This miniature in the scabbard measures just over 9 inches in length. This is the ultimate example for the miniature collector or a great piece to also put with a collection of hunting forestry daggers. Excellent Plus $2,995.00
- MINI #33182C ¾ Size RAD Officer Miniature - Alcoso
This highly desirable ¾ sized RAD Officer Mini measures just about 8” overall. The depiction exactly duplicates the large size example. The hilt fittings have a very fine silver plated surface throughout. The pommel depicts a noble eagle looking to the left. The details are excellent to the bird’s eye, his brow and his beak. Like the large counterpart, the reverse of the eagle’s head has the four accent grooves that go down the back area. The ferrule has a number of engraved sections which flow downward from right to left. The cross guard has arms which go outward and end in swirls on both quillons. In the center, there is an RAD spade placed between two wheat shafts. The spade is lined and has a plain style mobile swastika in the center. The reverse of the cross guard has plain surfaces. This example is equipped with superb orange grip plates. These grip plates are in perfect condition. The obverse is slightly darker in color tone that the reverse. It is possible that these grip plates were white when the miniature was made originally, but time has done us collectors a favor, causing these grip plates to turn marvelous color tones. The scabbard is also silver plated and in complete, perfect condition. The scabbard exactly duplicates the leader’s type. The upper portion on both sides features the complicated RAD curl designs. Below is a set of wheat shafts which are positioned on 45° angles to meet each other. On the lower portion of the scabbard, the same wheat shaft design is pointing upward. In between are fine pebbled panels which are still crisp. There are also a set of hanging rings mounted on the right edge. The blade is a high-quality example having a choice nickel plated finish. This blade is easily in full mint condition. There is a small fuller that runs on the upper portion of both edges and on the obverse is etched the RAD motto “Arbeit adelt”. This motto has 100% of the original darkening in the letter backgrounds. On the reverse ricasso, the trademark features the scales having the firm’s initials “ACS” interspersed. Above in an arch shape in block capital letters is the firm’s name “ALCOSO” and below, is the location city “Solingen”. There is also a small blue felt buffer on this example. A very beautiful RAD miniature here. This would make an outstanding display next to its large counterpart.Near Mint. $2,495.00
- MINI #33183C ¾ Size 2nd Model Luftwaffe Miniature - Alcoso
This ¾ size 2nd Model Luftwaffe Mini measures about 10¼” in overall length. It features finest silver plating throughout with exceptional details exactly simulating the large counterpart dagger. The pommel is a beauty, having detailed oak leaves which surround a double circle containing a mobile swastika on both sides. The detail is the same as one would see on the large counterpart. The same is true of the detail on the cross guard. It features an open-winged eagle flying to the viewer’s left and clutching a mobile swastika in its talons. All of the fine feathering, eyes, beak as well as the talons are in perfect, choice, clear condition. The reverse of the cross guard has a panel having good raised pebbling. The ferrule of this example is the same as we see on army daggers and this is the norm on Alcoso 2nd Lufts. The grip is a very attractive deep orange toned celluloid example. The ribs run downward from left to right and are in completely perfect condition throughout. This grip is tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire. The scabbard is also identical to the large counterpart. The scabbard is straight throughout and has perfect silvering. It features fine pebbled panels on both sides with lower panels of raised oak leaves, 3 in a row running downward. The bands are oak leaves on 45° angles and there is hand work obvious to the veining. Attached to the upper ring is an interesting small size Luftwaffe style aluminum portepee. Attached at the top of the portepee is a snap clip. I believe that this portepee was originally made as a watch fob but it looks great attached to this scabbard. The blade is just as nice as the outside. It features a quality nickel plated surface and it remains in fine mint condition. There is the slightest of a ripple to the reverse of the blade but it is not noticeable on the obverse and the tip is still needlelike. The reverse ricasso has the etched set of scales with the firm’s initials “ACS” within. Above in an arch shape in capital letters is the firm’s name “Alcoso” and below, the location city of “Solingen”. There is a leather washer in place which shows a little bit of nipping to a couple of the edges but most of it is still in place. A very fine miniature here. As miniature collectors readily will admit, the ¾ size Alcoso examples are the most collectible for their realistic and quality construction.Near Mint. $1,395.00
- MINI #33185C ¾ Size Luftwaffe Officer Sword Miniature - Alcoso
This Alcoso Sword Miniature measures about 10½” overall. It features fine silvered mounts throughout having a nice patination. The pommel and cross guard both features sun wheel swastikas on both sides. These swastikas have a nice gilt still visible on their surfaces. The pommel shows a little bit of usage but no hits anywhere. The cross guard has excellent detail to the feathering of the triple section dipping wings. The grip is extremely fine, being just like the large counterpart, having a carved wood base covered with Moroccan blue leather. The ribs run downward from left to right. This leather still has much of its grain and is tightly wrapped with double brass wire, one wire being twisted for contrast. The scabbard shell is straight throughout and is also covered with matching Moroccan. This beautiful leather has all of its graining and is in totally perfect condition, showing only the most moderate of usage. The shell is fitted with matching patinaed silvered mounts. The upper mount has an eyelet on each side and is equipped with a carrying ring. The lower mount is the standard tapered type with a double ball at the bottom. The blade is as nice as they come. This blade is of quality nickel plated steel and measures about 6¾”. Just like the large counterpart, it has a fuller in the center of both sides which runs about 1/3 of the way down. This full mint blade still retains its needlelike tip. On the reverse, it is etched with the scales trademark having the firm’s initials interspersed “ACS”. Above the scales in an arch shape in capital letters is the firm’s name “Alcoso’. Below is the location city of “Solingen”. There is a fine blue felt washer in place. A superb Luftwaffe sword miniature here!Near Mint. $995.00
- MINI #33184C ¾ Size DLV/1st Model Luftwaffe Miniature - E. & F. Hörster
This ¾ size 1st Model Luftwaffe Miniature carries over the DLV early design as it has simulated larger style staples retaining the scabbard mounts on the reverse. The pommel and cross guard are deeply patinated and really have a rich look. The sun wheel swastikas on both parts are vaulted outward and are very effective. The downward sweeping cross guards are in perfect, crisp condition. The miniature’s grip appears to be composed of a dark blue-black color celluloid. It has ribs that run downward from right to left and is wrapped with a diminutive twisted brass wire. This grip is in totally perfect condition. The scabbard shell is produced of steel, having a crackle finish to simulate leather. The surface is painted with a Luftwaffe blue color. The paint is in near 100% condition, showing only the most nominal of wear. The scabbard mounts are deeply patinated, matching the hilt fittings. These mounts are in choice condition, having scalloped edges where they meet the steel scabbard. The center and upper mount are equipped with eyelets and carrying rings. This fine miniature measures about 9¾” overall. The blade is an absolute beauty, having high-quality nickel plated finish with perfectly produced triple segments and fine needlelike tip. The blade is in fine mint condition. It is etched on the reverse ricasso with the double ovals which contain the firm’s name and location in capital letters “E & F Hörster Solingen”. Inside is a large letter “H” with a smaller letter “h” over “s” in the middle being pierced by a downward pointing sword. There is a fine blue felt buffer in place. A beautiful example of this miniature.Near Mint. $1,195.00(#112211)
MINI #32777 ¾ Size RAD Officer Miniature - Alcoso
This RAD Officer miniature is considered one of the premier pieces that were produced by the Alcoso firm. The piece measures just about 8 inches overall in the scabbard, and the detail is extraordinary throughout. The hilt consists of a fine eagle head that faces to the viewer’ left. The bird has a fine noble look with excellent hand done clarity to the eye, brow, and the beak area. The reverse of the head has 4 flutes which run downward. The ferrule area is also decorated with fluting that is angled upward slightly, and there are 6 flutes in this area. The crossguard consists of the standard quillon arms which have line decoration, and both end in teardrop-type swirls. The obverse center crossguard features a spade with lined depiction, having a plain raised swastika in the center. The spade rests on two well-detailed wheat sheafs. The silvering appears to be all there on this piece. The grip plates, most likely, were white when this miniature was produced, but now they have turned an extremely desirable popsicle-orange color. The obverse plate is just slightly darker than the reverse, and the area where the two plates join at the backstrap, is also a bit lighter than both plates. A very beautiful hilt here! The scabbard is straight as an arrow and, of course, is identical to the large counterpart. This scabbard features a fine lower panel with very crisp pebbled surfaces. At the upper is the complicated RAD curl designs, having horizontal lined surfaces. Below the curls are two wheat sheafs on a downward angle, and they are the type that touch. The lower chape area of the scabbard is plain, except it has two matching wheat sheafs that are on an upward angle. It is also interesting to note that the reverse of the scabbard has the exact same pattern. This is the only difference between these miniatures and the large counterpart that has a plain reverse scabbard just featuring the pebble pattern. The scabbard is also equipped with silvered wire style hanging rings. This scabbard is in choice mint condition with all silvering present. The blade is a great sight! It is identical to the Bowie-style shape of the large counterpart. It features a narrow fuller at the upper area, and just below the fuller on the obverse is etched the Labor Corp. motto, “Arbeit Adelt”. The factory blackening in the backgrounds of the letters is nearly perfect. This blade features fine nickel plated surfaces and is in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso features the Alcoso trademark used form 1937 through 1939. It features a set of scales with the firm’s initials “ACS” interspersed. Above the scales in an arch shape in block letters is the name of the firm, “Alcoso”, and below is the location city of “Solingen”. There is a small washer on this piece, but I do not think that it is original to the piece, as I do not remember seeing washers on these examples. Be that as it may, it looks good and can certainly do no harm, as it will protect the blade for generations to come. This Alcoso miniature would be an outstanding addition featured next to the large counterpart. These miniatures are of highest quality and are the most desirable of all the miniature types produced. Near Mint. $2,495.00
MINI #32631 ¾ Size National Hunting Cutlass - E. & F. Hörster
This Hunting Cutlass is a fine example, being produced of all metal material and exact color paint used to highlight the grip and scabbard areas. The hilt has the pommel cap featuring an umbrella-like fluted top, and on the edges of the cap it is decorated with twin raised-out lines. The pommel cap has a matching plated screw device that acts as a tang. The ferrule below has a duel set of decorative lines that run around the circumference. The center block is plain with quillon arms going outward, and the left side stretching upward, and the right side downward. These crossguard arms are cast in the shape of deer hoofs. The hair of the deer is also cut into the arms to make for a very nice simulation. The grip, although being metal, has been cast to simulate the grain of natural antler. It has a dark brown painted surface, and on some of the high areas, the paint is worn slightly which adds to the simulation. The center of grip has the National Hunting insignia, which is also part of the casting. The insignia, though, is extremely well detailed featuring a stag deer head with a large rack of antler. Between the antlers there is a ray-like texture, and in the center is a mobile swastika. On either side of the deer’s head are the initials of the Hunting Association, “D”, “J”. The all metal scabbard has been cast to simulate a leather shell equipped with nickel mounts. The simulated leather shell has nice pebbling that look exactly like leather graining. They even have the two decorative lines that run down the edges of both sides. The scabbard has a nice realistic green paint that shows a little bit of hand wear but, overall, it rates at least at 90% to 95%. The mounts are the same as the large counterpart, having scalloped edges with a neatly simulated leather. The lower mount has decorative lines that match the upper hilt parts with a button-like chape at the bottom. The upper mount is equipped with an acorn-style lug showing lots of detail to the cap of the nut. The blade of this example is a fine double etched type, having very nice bright nickel plating. There is a little bit of lifting to the plating just along the reverse edge, but it is extremely minor. The obverse blade depicts a hunting scene, featuring a resting stag with a small buck looking on in a forest glen. The reverse scene is a couple of dogs sniffing around some grassy area, one of which seems to have come up with a rabbit in his mouth. These panels are extremely well detailed and have excellent frosted backgrounds. This blade rates in near full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the dual ovals used by this firm. Inside of the ovals is the firm’s name and location, “E. & F. Hörster, Solingen”. Inside is a large letter “H”, and inside the letter are smaller “H” and “S” letters with a sword piercing through the center. The green felt buffer is in place doing its job. A great looking miniature here which would really show well displayed next to a full sized Hirschsfänger.Excellent Plus. $795.00
MINI #32432 Half Size 1st Model Luftwaffe
This 1st Model Luftwaffe Miniature is nearly 8” long. The hilt is all a one-piece unit, apparently made of nickel or some sort of silvered pot metal. The pommel features the sun wheel swastikas as does the cross guard center block. The grip and cross guard arms are also cast in the same unit. There is quite a bit of patination throughout this hilt. The scabbard is a one-piece unit which gives the look of having separate mounts. The leather area is simulated with a slightly pebbled surface and it was painted dark blue a long time ago. About 80% of this original paint still exists. The scabbard mounts are raised out of the steel scabbard and really have the look of separate pieces. There are eyelets and carrying rings attached to the upper end center mount. The blade of this example is unmarked and is extremely nice and of high quality. It is a three-segment type having outstanding mirror finish, nickel plated surfaces. The needlelike tip is still there and the blade is protected by a blue felt buffer. This is a fairly unusual 1st model Luftwaffe miniature, as I do not recall having had one in the past. It also appears as though the grip was painted the same matching blue as the scabbard at one time, as there is some residue in the grip sections.Excellent. $495.00
MINI #31992C Miniature Stag Gripped Bayonet
This miniature stag gripped bayonet is of highest quality construction throughout and I do not think it ever had a scabbard. It measures approximately 7 ½-inches in length. The hilt fittings are nickel-plated and are in the exact contortion as the large full size pieces. The nickel plating throughout is still in bright perfect condition. The eagle head pommel, which faces to the left, has a simulated button and mortise lock on the front and rear respectively. This simulation is done with engraving the likeness of the hardware into the metal. The lower quillon is exactly the same as the large counterpart and the upper part of the crossguard has the curve in the lip to simulate the clearance for the rifle barrel. But if this is not enough there has been a fine genuine set of grip plates cut from stag antler and perfectly fitted to this beautiful piece. These grip plates are an impressive dark brown and tan with very nice graining throughout. They are yellow on the edges from exposure time. These fantastic grip plates are retained by two steel rivets having dressed heads on one side only. The blade is the same as a full size example having a single edge ricasso and fuller on both sides. The blade is nicely tapered at the end and has highest quality nickel-plated surfaces. The blade still remains in near full mint condition showing only the most modest of age. There is a red felt buffer which is still in place. This is one of the greatest looking miniature bayonets I have seen. It is also in first rate condition. A very rare item here and a top piece for the serious miniature collector.Mint Minus. $1,495.00
MINI #31993C Miniature Stag Gripped Bayonet
This miniature stag gripped bayonet with scabbard is a very rarely seen item. It measures overall about 8 ½-inches. The bayonet has a nickel-plated pommel, backstrap and crossguard quillon. The nickeling is still bright showing some minor age but still in near mint condition throughout. This fine miniature is fitted with original stag grip plates. These grip plates feature grained surfaces of brown and tan with nice edges beginning to yellow from time. The plates are retained by steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse side with a good attempt at the same on the reverse. The scabbard is a black steel example with ball at the lower tip. It is flared slightly at the throat area imitating an original full size example. Other than the lug, this scabbard looks the same as the large size counterpart. The black paint shows a little bit of age and some wear but overall it rates at about 98%. The blade of this example is formed in the shape of a bayonet blade having a ricasso on both sides. It fails a little in that it does not have a ricasso and it is also a little bit too pointed at the tip but it was designed to be a letter opener and I’m sure that’s the reason for this motif. The blade is quality nickel-plated and does show a little bit of age in the surfaces but it is not bad. The blade easily grades at excellent plus. A very fine rarely seen bayonet letter opener.Excellent Plus. $1,295.00
MINI #31508 Boxed ¾ Sized Army Dagger Miniature
This miniature is still contained within its original issue box. The issue box measures approximately 10 ½-inches by 2 ½-inches and is about an inch in height. The top of the box has a dark blue center area with a white stripe around it and then matching blue sides. The lower portion is a white box which is filled with a cotton like felt material. The miniature rests on this cotton material. It is interesting to note that on the bottom of the box written in pencil is the number “23002”. I am quite sure that that is the Alcoso model number assigned to this miniature. The miniature itself is spectacular. It is in a new-like state with the exception that all of the silvering has patinated to a very desirable black color. The pommel is identical to the large counterpart even having the flared out look. The oak leaves run around the perimeter and the top area is smooth. The ferrule is also a beauty having fine raised oak leaves running around its circumference. The crossguard depicts a textbook third style Alcoso army eagle. The eagle looks to the viewer’s left, has good checkering on his breast, fine wing feathering, crisp wreath and swastika. The reverse is nice and smooth. The grip is a light yellow color. It could not be prettier and it is in total perfect condition. Wrapped about the grip is an Alcoso issue tag. It is a metallic type tag having a gold wash. It has the name of the company “Alcoso” with a set of scales in a circle below and the firm’s initials interspersed. Below this is the word, “Qualitat”. Obviously this does not need a translation. The scabbard of this example is also like the large counterpart. It is in totally mint perfect condition having beautiful oak leaf bands and crisp pebble patterns. The blade is also pristine having perfect nickel finish and on the reverse it is marked with the trademark used from 1937 through 1939. It features the scales having the firm’s initials interspersed and above and below is the firm name and location, “Alcoso Solingen”. There is a miniaturized leather washer protecting the fine blade. This is about as nice as a miniature you will ever find. Absolute quality throughout and beautiful condition.Mint. $1495.00
MINI #31507 Boxed Miniature Bayonet - Alcoso
This boxed miniature bayonet by Alcoso is the only example I have ever seen. It is quality throughout and still remains in mint condition. The box measures about 8 ½ by 2-inches and is about an inch high. The box lid has a kind of silvery swirl design and the lower edges match the swirl with a white bottom. Stamped onto the bottom with a red rubber stamp is the model number, “1874”. On the inside bottom of the box there is a felt acceptance area with two struts which retain the scabbard of the bayonet. In one corner is the firm’s name in silvery paper, “Alcoso Solingen”. The bayonet is 7 5/8-inches overall. It has beautiful nickel plating to the bird head silhouette pommel and the upward pointing quillon. The grip plates are a black checkered bake-o-lite and are retained by two steel rivets. The scabbard is in perfect condition being all metal and having a realistic lip at the top and a nice ball at the bottom chape. The black paint is still factory new throughout. The blade is a quality example having perfect nickel-plated finish and featuring a stepped end. The reverse of the blade has the ricasso stamped with the maker name, “Alcoso Solingen”. To the left of the name is the scales with the initials interspersed, “ACS”. This logo would put the vintage of the bayonet at approximately 1940. The red felt buffer is still in place. A wonderful example here of a high quality bayonet and since it is the only one that I have seen I assume that production was extremely limited due to the war. If you’re looking for something that no one else has in their miniature collection this one should fill your bill.Mint. $1395.00
MINI #31147C ¾ Size 1st Model Luftwaffe / DLV Dagger - E. & F. Hörster
This three quarter sized 1st model Luftwaffe measures about 9 5/8-inches overall. As is normally the case it is in white metal fittings. The pommel is in excellent condition having raised out sunwheel swastikas on both sides. The matching crossguard also has sunwheel swastikas with fine downward slanted crossguard arms. The grip is covered with leather and is probably a metal base. The leather covering is in perfect condition and it is tightly wrapped with miniature twisted wire. The scabbard has a pebbled steel shell which is designed to simulate leather. The blue paint on the scabbard shell is in nearly perfect condition. The scabbard mounts exactly match those of the hilt. They are in excellent condition throughout and on the reverse of each one they have the large staple simulation. This would indicate that the original design and mold for these pieces was probably done about 1935 or 1936 at the latest prior to the 1st model Luftwaffe having a steel scabbard with mounts held in by screws. With miniatures it was not really necessary to update this as liberties were usually taken quite freely. The blade of this example is as nice as they come. It is a quality nickel-plated type and it is in full mint condition still having needlelike tip. The reverse ricasso is etched with the large ovals which contain the firm’s name and location, “E&F Hörster Solingen”. Inside is the large “H” letter which has a smaller “H” and “S” letter within being pierced by a sword through the center. The original gray style leather buffer is in place. A very nice three-quarter size Luftwaffe miniature.Excellent Plus. $995.00
MINI #31505C National Hunting Cutlass Miniature – E. & F. Hörster
This Hunting Association miniature is a great looking example, being about 9¼” in length. The cutlass has a one-piece hilt section but the simulated grip is painted brown to make it look like it is antler. The rest of the fittings are in nickel plate to include the pommel cap with screw which acts as a tang, ferrule, cross guards with up-and-down quillon ends and clamshell. The plating is all in perfect condition throughout these mounts. The center of the simulated grip has the Hunting Association insignia, consisting of a stag’s head with swastika in the center having rays coming out of it. On either side of the stag’s head are the initials of the organization “DJ”. there are a couple of areas where the paint has worn from the grip, but overall it is at least 90% - 95%. The all-metal scabbard also has made an attempt to simulate the leather shell. The metal has pebbling and has been painted green, giving the look of leather. This original paint is starting to thin in areas, but overall it rates about 60% - 70%. The upper and lower mounts are the same as the large cutlass, having scalloped edges where they meet the shell. The acorn type lug nut appears to be maybe a replacement, as it is slightly out of proportion with the scabbard. It is certainly better than none at all. The blade is a double-etched example, being still nice and bright and having outstanding detail to the hunting scene etches. There is just a little bit of plating that has peeled at the tip area – probably from opening letters – but still, the blade is in near full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double ovals of this company’s logo. The company’s name and location are trapped within “E & F Hörster Solingen”. Inside is the large “H” with the smaller “h” and “s” letters in the center being pierced by a sword. The original green felt buffer is in place. A nice item here, and getting very difficult to find in this condition.Excellent Plus. $650.00
MINI #31504C Miniature Imperial Bayonet - Gustav Hungerberg
I have had a lot of these flat style Imperial bayonets over the years, but most of them have been in poor condition. This one is a real beauty and is in near full mint. It is also interesting because it has an etch on the blade. We will get to that further in the description. This bayonet is about 9½” in length. The nickel plated hilt features a silhouette of an eagle head and at the bottom there is a quillon which goes upward into a teardrop. The grip plates that separate these two pieces are of black checkered Bakelite. These Bakelite grips are retained by two steel rivets having dressed heads on both sides. The nickel plating of the hilt is in mint condition. The blade of this miniature is still bright and in mint condition. It looks as though it may have been used to open a few letters but not many. The blade is fashioned like a large full size bayonet in that it has a false edge at the tip area and also has a fuller which runs nearly the length of the blade. It has a first rate nickel-plated finish and in the center there is a destroyer of the old dreadnaught having three stacks and two masts. Written on the bough of this warship is the famous “Emden”. The Emden was a raider which was positioned in the South Seas and was extremely successful with sinking ships heading to Britain and other ally countries. The maker of this bayonet letter opener was capitalizing on the fame of the Emden. This fine blade is maker marked, “Gustav / Hungerberg / G.M.B. / Remscheib”. This is probably not a maker name but more than likely a distributor. The scabbard with this example is also really a marvel. It has its original black painted surfaces and the paint is still nearly new-like showing almost no age. There are a couple of very minor dings in the finish but nothing that really would keep it from still having a mint rating. A really nice bayonet miniature here and one of the best conditioned I have handled. Near Mint. $350.00
MINI #4915 Imperial Naval Dagger Miniature
This imperial naval miniature is based on the 1890 cadet version which also was used as an officer’s version in 1902. This example has the imperial crown as its pommel at the top. Because the tang comes through the pommel top the finials and cross have been eliminated. The domed segments though that go around the imperial crown are still simulated on the pommel and there is a little bit of scratching in the surfaces to give the impression of the Prussian eagle and alternating cross, but since it is in miniatures these kind of artist’s license are seen quite frequently. From a distance it does look like an imperial crown. From close up, well, maybe not so much! The crossguard is a fine center block fouled anchor variety which is equipped with crossguards going outward in squares and forming capstan ends. The upper portion of the crossguard is lined and really simulates the original large type. The grip is a darkened celluloid or some type of a bone. The segments run horizontally rather than downward as the originals did. It still though looks pretty good and there are no chips or problems with this grip. It shows lots of age toning in the rib separations. The scabbard is nearly identical to an 1890 version large counterpart. It is a lightning bolt type but it has the double twisted rope bands that go around pilings and on either side of the bands the palmettes. Below this at the bottom are the lightning bolts that come upward and below that are acanthus leaves that have pointed tops. If you did not have something to put next to this scabbard to show proportion you would think it was a large example. The scabbard also is dent free. Attached to the eyelets on the scabbard is a really nice gilded brass linked chain. The chain does have an eyelet for opening and it is about the size of a lady’s necklace. A nice touch here and a fine way to display this dagger if you have something to hang it on. The blade is also shaped in the old imperial pattern having the long ricasso with a center ridge and double edges. This blade is still nice and bright having fine nickel-plated surfaces. This is a nice miniature and it is of a pattern and proportion that is not often seen. This miniature measures overall 7-inches within the scabbard.Excellent. $495.00
MINI #28115C Imperial Miniature of Bismarck Sword
This Imperial miniature is quite large, measuring about 12 inches overall. These miniatures were produced emulating the design of the honor sword which was made for Bismarck and presented by Kaiser Wilhelm in 1895. The sword displays Bismarck’s crown as a Fürst which was a rank of prince, given by the Emperor. The crown is of unique design and is recognizable by those who affiliated with Bismarck. Below the pommel area is also a Bismarck crest consisting of a shield with leaves contained within. The sword has a basket style hilt which is pierced and portrays a winged, helmeted angel placing an Imperial crown over a Prussian eagle. Quite a majestic design here, and one can just imagine what the original sword must have looking like. The grip of this example is also made of brass, as are all of the hilt pieces. Most likely, it was a single casting and then hand-enhanced. But the grip portrays rows of oak leaves and has paint residue of black in between. Most of the designs on this beautiful hilt are still fairly crisp and all there. The scabbard is a nickel type which has excellent nickel plating, still being at 100%. The nickel shell is fitted with beautiful brass upper, center and lower mounts. The two upper mounts have simulated carrying rings and the lower mount is in the form of a fine chape fitting. The blade of this example is nickel plated and etched on both sides. It measures 9 inches overall. The etching is basically a poem style which praises the abilities of the weapon makers of Solingen and at the same time tells what a beautiful land the area is. It welcomes the purchaser to the area. The double panels, though, have a gilt in the background and all letters are raised out. I have only summarized the basic meaning of these dedications. The next purchaser may want to carefully translate this dedication. A fine item here and most likely these swords were sold in period gift shops to rich tourists visiting Europe in the turn of the century days. This will make a great letter opener on your desk.Excellent Plus. $495.00
MINI #28116C Imperial Miniature of Kaiser Honor Sword - WKC
This fine Imperial miniature is about 12 inches in length. The hilt is produced of one piece cast brass but is all hand-rendered as to the details. The sword is a replica of the honor piece made for Kaiser Wilhelm at about the turn of the last century. The sword depicts a Model 89 style hilt having a fine fluted edged pommel. Downward from the pommel area, there is some sort of a family crest. The grip is simulated to be a shark skin covered type having some style of brass laurel leaf overlay decoration. The cross guard is a basket hilt which has a fine rendering of an angel-like German warrior with sword. There is fine detail evident throughout this hilt depiction. The scabbard is a straight metal shell having nickel plated surfaces. There are four mounts on this shell, being a throat, two bands and a lower chape. The bands are nice complicated brass designs, the chape has lots of hand-rendering noticeable and the throat is applied, having a flare-out surface area. A very nice scabbard indeed. The blade of this example is nickel plated, having etching on both sides. There is some age to the blade, but it is not bad. The etchings on the obverse talk about “His Majesty the German Kaiser and King of Prussia, Wilhelm II”. Beneath this is a tutanic style warrior positioned over a sailing vessel. Over top of the warrior’s winged bird helmet, there is an Imperial crown with raid cross beneath. The other side of the blade has the logo of “Solingen” and it thanks the anniversary of Kaiser Day in the Solingen land on 12 August 1899. Further down on the etch is a portrayal of a master smith at work on an anvil. At the ricasso is the king and knight logo with the firm’s full name “Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Co. Solingen”. Obviously, this letter opener was made for sale to tourists and it is an advertisement for Solingen and its German king, Kaiser Wilhelm II. A nice miniature here in good collectible condition.Excellent Plus. $495.00
MINI #18631 Cased DLV/1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger Miniature
This is the
first example I have encountered which has been cased. The miniature
is the standard 10 1/4 inch style, usually bearing the making
of E. & F. Hörster, but in this case, there is no maker
mark on the blade. This example is pretty much the same as the
one I show in my Luftwaffe Book, on Page 383. These pieces are
produced from a white metal base, and usually the silvered surfaces
did not hold up well. Apparently the cased status here has made
the difference, as the silvering is mostly all there on these
parts. The pommel has a couple of flakes to the plating but not
bad. This pommel has vaulted sunwheel swastikas. If they were
gilded at one time, they are not any longer. The down-swept crossguard
reflects all of the silvering on one side and has a little mild
deterioration of the plating on the other - just around the 4:00
swaz' leg. The grip is a very fine wood base example having a
blue painted finish. The finish has some lines in it, giving the
look of leather. The ten rib segments flow downward from right
to left. They are tightly wrapped with a single twisted silver
wire - fine grip here. There is a silvered plain ferrule to which
the grip is secured. The scabbard is composed of a blue painted
metal shell, having crackle finish. The painted finish is all
there, only just beginning to thin in a couple of places. The
scabbard mounts are identical to the real thing, having scalloped
ends where they meet the shell. The reverse of the mounts have
simulated staple-like images. Attached to the two upper fitting
rings is a matching silvered chain - the ends are attached to
both rings - there is no clip. The plated blade is bright throughout.
The blade is a quality three-segmented example with needle-like
tip. This blade is in near full mint condition. The case is a
brown leatherette type measuring approximately 11 1/2 X 5 3/4
inches, being 1 3/4 inches thick. The leatherette covering shows
some mild wear and usage, but remains in good condition. The lid
retaining copper hardware consists of a decorative shell design
of period style. These fittings are holed and hinged to connect
over male prongs on the lower hardware. The inside lid is a brown
silk with horsehair padding and the lower surface is a brown felt,
cut out providing a recess of the miniature. A good-looking package
here for the serious miniature collector.Excellent Plus. $2,495.00
MINI #1707 Mini Skinner with Grip Mounted Tools
Excellent Plus. $225.00
This quality
little skinner with scabbard measures a scant 4 1/2 inches. The
grip plates are genuine stag being retained with rivets. Folding
out on either side are a small knife blade and also a corkscrew.
The springs are quality, as are the blades. The two inch long
main blade is skinner shaped and slab-sided. There is a name stamped
into the surface of the blade - looks like, "Schoeller
Bleckman", but hard to tell as there is some old pitting
in the surfaces. Although only 2 1/4 inches long, the scabbard
has nickel fittings with leather shell. The nickeled fittings
have line decoration and the edges are scalloped. The leather
is sewn up the rear like the large examples. Outstanding period
item, the first of which I have seen. Hard to imagine something
this small could be made to actually use.
MINI #8372 2nd Model Luftwaffe Sword Miniature Mounted on Propellor
I have seen
many Luft miniatures on the casted propeller, but this is the
first I have seen on a finished wood prop. The wood appears to
be a mahogany. It has fine grain and is finished with a varnish
or shellac. There is a black felt base on the bottom. The 2nd
Luftwaffe miniature is also unusual. It is a one-piece, casted
style, having really outstanding detail. The swastika pommel and
crossguard feathering are just the best. Even the simulated grip
wire is easily distinguishable. The blade is also a nice one.
It is fashioned after a Luftwaffe sword as it has the center fuller
- guess the manufacturer probably made these in the sword variation
too, utilizing the same blade. The scabbard is mounted to the
prop via two struts. It has fine pebble pattern, carrying rings,
and if not in the right perspective, could easily be mistaken
for the real thing. A fine item here, most likely missing from
even an advanced collection. Very rare item.Excellent Plus, Plus. $895.00
MINI #22753 3/4 Size Luftwaffe Sword on Cast Iron Propeller
>This
3/4 sized Luftwaffe sword is in good collectible condition throughout
and is the same as the piece shown on Page 391 of my Luftwaffe
book. The hilt is an excellent depiction having all silvered hardware.
The top pommel has sunwheel swastikas on both sides, and although
there is no gilding remaining, the silvering is perfect throughout.
The crossguard features the downswept detailed feathered quillen
wings. In the center are smaller sunwheel swastikas. There is
just the hint of gilding remaining on the reverse sunwheel. The
grip is a choice leather covered affair. This leathering still
retains its graining and it is in perfect condition. Like the
book example, the grip is tightly wrapped with miniature triple
copper wire. The center wire is twisted for effect. Amazing work
here when considering how small it is! The scabbard shell itself
also has perfect leather which exactly matches the grip. This
leather also has fine graining in its surfaces. The scabbard is
equipped with realistic silvered mounts at the upper and lower.
The upper mount is equipped with two eyelets and rings like its
large counterpart. The lower mount is mostly detailed with descending
double ball chape. This scabbard is equipped with two struts which
are mounted to the reverse of the scabbard fittings. These struts
in turn connect to the top of a cast iron miniature airplane propeller.
This propeller is a blued color and has excellent surfaces. In
fact, there are still signs of the original protective lacquer
across the blued surfaces. The lower portion of the propeller
still has the original leather buffering which protected the user's
desk. The blade of this example is a beauty being bright and quality
nickel-plated. It shows a few signs of letter opening but it still
remains in mint condition. This fine blade is marked on reverse
with the 1937 through 1939 trademark. The mark consists of the
scales having the firm's initials, "ACS", interspersed.
Above the scales is the firm's block lettered, arch-shaped, name
"Alcoso", and below is the location city of "Solingen."
There is a blue felt buffer which protects this blade. A very
fine ¾ size miniature which is all set to decorate your
collecting desk.Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,195.00