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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-001-27147 3/4 Size Army Miniature by Alcoso

This 3/4 Size Army Miniature is the preferred type, being the largest that we see. The Miniature looks identical to the piece that I show on page 238 of my Army book, second from left. The fittings that Alcoso used to produce these miniatures were identical to the 2nd style fittings Alcoso used on their Army daggers. This crossguard type is quite rare and can be seen on page 21 of my Army book. These miniature fittings are done with the same attention to detail as the large size. The pommel reflects the tapered outlook that we see on the full size Alcoso daggers. It has beautiful silvering, and depicts standing oak leaves running completely around its outside circumference. The upper portion of the pommel is in choice condition, as is the rim area. The ferrule below depicts overlapping oak leaves, and has a fine silvered finish. The crossguard is also a beauty, showing an open winged Army eagle, as noted above, being the 2nd Alcoso type. This eagle has good detail to his wing feathering, wreath, and swastika. The breast feathering shows only a bit of wear on the surfaces. The silvering is good on this crossguard, except at the reverse area, where in the center and a little bit to the left, there is some pitting. Fortunately, though, this does not show on the front at all, if you are going to be displaying this example. The grip is a choice off-yellow color, identical to the large size types. It has the same rib construction, and tapers from right to left, downward. The scabbard is also the same as a full size example. It has excellent detail to the pebbled pommels, and it is straight throughout, having perfect silvering. There is even some frosting areas, which show around the throat and the protected spots around the bands. These carrying bands have outstanding oak leaves, which match the ferrule perfectly. The bands are equipped with proportioned silvered carrying rings. The blade of this example is identical to the large size, having three segments. The plating is still mostly bright, but apparently this blade did see some usage opening letters. There are some age signs in the surfaces at the front and back, but they are not really bad, and the blade still retains its original brightness. This blade rates at about excellent. The reverse of the blade is etched with the trademark used from 1937 through 1939. It consists of a set of scales having the firm’s initials “ACS” interspersed. Above the scales, in an arch shape, is the block-lettered name of the firm, “Alcoso”. Below is the block-lettering of the firm’s town, “Solingen”. The original felt blue colored washer is in place. A good miniature here, which has a minor flaw on the reverse crossguard, but it is priced accordingly. Excellent 27147 $795.00

MINI-003-25783 – 2nd Model Naval Letter Opener

This Naval Letter Opener is the type of artifact, which was made without a scabbard. It measures about 8 ¼ inches overall. The hilt section is a one-piece casting, consisting of a white metal base. The renditions throughout this one-piece casting are quite good. They feature the standard closed-wing, Naval eagle pommel, clutching a wreathed swastika; a simulated wire wrap around a grip; and good detail to the Naval crossguard featuring fouled anchor on both sides with excellent rendering to the extension arms and quillon ends. The blade is a double-edged type that has been nickel-plated. There is an off-red felt buffer. The blade of this example shows minor age, but the plating is all there. A great piece for opening letters and an attractive desk item. Exc. + $150.00

MINI-004-27152 - 3/4 Size Army Miniature by Alcoso

This 3/4 Size Army Miniature is in choice condition, and very desirable. It is the same as the example that is shown in my Army book on page 238, second from left. Alcoso made these miniatures throughout the period, and although they did not change the outside design, they did change the logo on the blade. This example features the 2nd Type Army crossguard, being the same as is shown on page 21 of my book. The pommel cap is a beauty, being the flared-out variety. It is nicely patinated, having full silvering. It features standing oak leaves, which are highly detailed, running throughout the perimeter of the pommel. The crossguard is also in excellent condition, having good checkering to the eagle’s breast, excellent feathering to the open wings, good detail to the wreath, and a fine look to the mobile vaulted swastika. This crossguard is in excellent shape, also having full silvering. The reverse of the crossguard still has all of the silvering, but there is a minor amount of under-the-surface bubbling, which is visible to the eye. The silvered surface, however, is not broken. The ferrule of this example is a fine silver type, having overlapping oak leaves. The grip is a beautiful deep yellow color. This grip is the same as the large size daggers, having standard ribs, and slanting, running downward from right to left. Adding to the desirability of this piece, is an original aluminum bullion portepee. The portepee is wrapped about the lower grip, and it features a slide and acorn, also made out of aluminum. A fine hilt here! The scabbard is as nice as you will see. This scabbard is identical to the full size counterpart. It has full silvering throughout, and has taken on an attractive deep patination. The scabbard features bands with overlapping oak leaves, which show some hand enhancing. The silver rings are also in position, having the same patina. The throat of this scabbard is apparently pressed into place. The blade of this example is a beauty. It is a 3-section type, exactly like the large counterpart. It appears to have a nickel plated surface, and it is mirror bright, being in mint condition. It is interesting to observe, the reverse ricasso area is etched with the last trademark used by Alcoso. This is the sideways type, which incorporates the scales and has the letters, “AWS”, interspersed. To the right of the scales is the firm’s name written in script, “Alcoso”, over the town, “Solingen”, in block letters. This was the final trademark used by this firm, and is reflective of the time when the firm was “Aryanized”, and the Coppel brothers were sent to a concentration camp. This blade is most interesting to me, as it is the only one I have seen on one of these miniatures, with this late marking. The original blue felt buffer is in place. An outstanding 3/4 Size Miniature.
Near Mint 27152 $1,195.00

MINI-005-27148 - 3/4 Size 2nd Model Luftwaffe by SMF

This 3/4 Sized 2nd Model Luftwaffe miniature is in very choice condition overall. It looks exactly like the pieces I feature in color in my Luftwaffe book, on page 393. The pommel and crossguard are made of fine aluminum construction. The pommel features oak leaves and swastikas, within a circle on both sides. It shows little to no wear. The crossguard features a nicely detailed eagle, which is flying to the left, and clutching a swastika. The reverse of the crossguard features a nice pebbled panel ,which has been darkened. About 90% of the darkening remains. The grip is a yellow celluloid type, looking identical to the large size counterpart. This grip is in excellent condition throughout, having nicely detailed ribs, and twisted wire wrap in the same proportion. The ferrule is also the same as the large counterpart, having overlapping oak leaves. The scabbards of this type miniature are the flatter variety, and can be seen on page 393. This scabbard is in perfect condition, having good gray finish, and pebbled pattern. The oak leaves at the bottom are highly detailed, and the bands feature oak leaves, which match those of the grip ferrule. The original carrying rings are also intact. The blade on this example is mirror bright, and like new. It is like the large counterpart, having three segments. It has been beautifully nickel plated, and is in full mint condition. The reverse of the blade is stamped “D.R.G.M.”, indicating that the producer had a patent pending on the design. Additionally, the seated king trademark is above this patent marking. The original washer is in place. A very fine example here, and a great piece to put next to a large size example.
Near Mint 27148 $695.00(#050508)

MINI-006-26363 - 3/4 Size 2nd Model Luftwaffe by SMF

This SMF 3/4 Size is a beauty, and it is identical to the piece I show in my Luftwaffe book on page 393, in color. The hilt fittings are a fine aluminum. The pommel is identical to the large counterpart, having nicely formed hand accented oak leaves. On either side of the pommel is a mobile swastika. The ferrule also is a fine example, having oak leaf designs. The crossguard portrays an open winged eagle, which is flying to the viewer’ left. The detail throughout this eagle is exceptional, and the bird is clutching a mobile swastika in his talons. The pebbled panel on the reverse of this crossguard is in choice new-like condition. All of the original airplane-gray coating is intact throughout the grained pattern. Beautiful fittings here! The grip is also an exceptional example, being a dark pumpkin-orange color. It is even-toned throughout, and is most appealing. This grip is in totally perfect condition, and it is wrapped with dual twisted aluminum wire. Outstanding hilt here! The scabbard is the flatter style, exactly as is shown on page 293. This scabbard has 100% of the airplane-gray coating. It features pebbled panels, with oak leaf designs at the bottom. The bands are in intact, complete with small carrying rings. The blade of this example is just like the large counterpart, having three segments. This blade is in pristine near mint condition. The reverse is marked “D.R.G.M.”, which means there was a patent on the design. Above this marking is the seated king trademark with the “SMF” firm initials beneath them, and the location town of “Solingen”. The small leather blade washer is intact. You will not find a nicer SMF 3/4 size 2nd Model Luftwaffe. Mint 26363 $795.00

MINI-007-26403C - 3/4 Size 1st Model Luftwaffe Letter Opener

This is the letter opener version of these miniatures, which is the style that came without a scabbard. The hilt is of one-piece cast construction. This example looks very similar to the piece shown in my Luftwaffe book on page 383, upper. The pommel has nice detail, portraying a sunwheel swastika on both sides. The crossguard also has the sunwheel swastikas, and has the downward pointing quillon arms, with good detail to the feathering. The simulated grip is also part of the cast, but portrays all of the grip sections, stemming downward from right to left, and also having a facsimile of the twisted wire wrap. This entire hilt is in a gray metal base. The blade itself nicely simulates the 1st Model Luftwaffe type. It does have a short ricasso, which stems inward, and has double edged blade features. The tip is still pretty good on this example, and the blade itself has been quality nickel plated. This plating is still at 100%, and is in near mint condition. There is also a black felt buffer in place. A nice example here to use at your desk to open letters from other collectors. Excellent, Plus, Plus 26403-C $195.00

MINI-008-26362C - 1/2 Size Miniature by E. & F. Hörster

This 1/2 Size Miniature looks the same as the example shown in my Army book on page 238. The fittings throughout this piece are a white metal style. The pommel is identical to the larger counterpart having good crisp brim and standing oak leaves, which run around the perimeter. The ferrule depicts overlapping oak leaves. The crossguard depicts an open winged eagle, which looks to the viewer’s left. This eagle has good detail to his open wing feathering, wreath, and raised swastika. These gray fittings have a nice appealing sheen to their surfaces. The grip is a white color, and it is identical to the large counterpart, having sectioned ribs which run downward from right to left. The scabbard is pebbled, just like the large size. It, too, is a gray metal. The scabbard is equipped with detailed oak leaf bands, with carrying rings. Like the hilt, this scabbard is still in mint condition, with the throat apparently pressed into place. The blade of this example is mirror bright, nickel plated, and in full mint condition. It is interesting to note that the maker’s marking has been gilded in the backgrounds. This marking appears on the center segment of the three- segmented blade. It is on the obverse and is, “E. & F. Hörster/Solingen”. A very fine miniature here. Mint 26362-C $495.00

MINI-009-24723C - 1/2 Sized Ball Top Naval Miniature

This miniature looks very similar to the example I show in my Navy book on page 505, except the book piece has a Nazi pommel, and this example is fitted with the 1929 model with ball top. The fittings are all brass throughout. The ball top has nice detail, having cresting waves at the base, and the reed and cattail depiction running around the circumference. The crossguard has a center block, with fouled anchor. The fouled anchor could have better definition, but you can still make out what it is. The quillon arms are equipped with the acanthus leaves, and they end with matched quillons and nipple-like devices at the tips. The grip has horizontally running segments, and it is a nice light orange color. This grip is in perfect condition. The scabbard is straight throughout, and it is a lightening bolt variety. It has scabbard bands, which have overlapping rope-like decoration. This scabbard is made without a throat. The gilding is still there at 100% throughout the scabbard, and I believe that the base metal is some type of a white metal beneath. The blade of this example is similar to an Imperial type, in that it has a ricasso with center ridge on both sides, being double edged with needle-like tip. This blade has been nickel plated, and it is of high quality construction. This blade is still in full mint condition, having its original red felt buffer in place. A nice looking Ball Top Miniature Naval here. Excellent, Plus 24723-C $295.00

MINI - 011 - CASED MINIATURE DLV/1ST LUFTWAFFE - No Maker.

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 (18631) $2,495.00

MINI - 012 - MINIATURE SKINNER W/TOOLS IN GRIP -

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.Excellent Plus (1707) $ 225.00

MINI - 013 - 3/4 SIZE LUFTWAFFE SWORD ON PROPELLER - Alcoso.

The hilt fittings of this example show some mild age, but they still have most of the silvering, and the patined gilting is still visible on the pommel and crossguard swastikas. The grip is wrapped with Moroccan leather, which is identical in color, and scaled-down grain to its large counterpart. The leather is wrapped with dual twisted brass wire, again just like the big one - amazing this kind of detail was accomplished on something this small. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. Its perfect-conditioned leather matches that of the grip. The scabbard fittings show some age, but, like the hilt fittings, most of the silvering is in place. Attached to the reverse of both the upper and lower fitting are cone-like struts, which in turn, are mounted to a blued, cast-iron propeller. The bluing to this prop is still all there. The cloth bottom covering has gone to time. The bright blade is the nickel plated type. It even has the center fuller design like the big ones. The reverse ricasso is etched with the early-style scales trademark, having the firm's name, "Alcoso", block-lettered above, in an arch shape. Like the fittings, this blade too, shows just a tad of age, rating excellent plus. The original blue felt blade buffer is in place. This "desk-mount" miniature no doubt graced the desk of a high-ranking Luftwaffe Officer during the war. It would still look excellent gracing yours! A fine item, having practicality also. See the Angolia Sword Book, Page 187, for a good look at one of these. Rare miniature.
Excellent Plus (7279) $ 1295.00

MINI - 014 - 22752 – HALF-SIZE ARMY MINIATURE – E & F HÖRSTER

This half-size Army miniature is identical to the example I show on Page 240 of my Army book. It features silvered gray fittings throughout. The silvering is still fairly good, but is starting to thin at the high points. The pommel is a nice example, having standing oak leaves around its perimeter. Its rim is smooth and at the top area, the silver plating is beginning to wear. The ferrule is in excellent condition throughout, having full silvering depicting overlapping oak leaves. The cross guard has just the slightest of wear to the silvering but it still rates at about 98%. This cross guard depicts an open-winged eagle, looking to the viewer’s left. The eagle has good detail to the breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and mobile style swastika. The grip of this example is just like those of the larger Army counterparts. It has nicely formed ribs which flow downward from right to left. The grip is of celluloid and it has a fine, pumpkin orange color on the obverse, fading just slightly on the reverse to a lighter tangerine orange. The scabbard is straight throughout, having good, crisp pebbling. Most of the silvering is still on the scabbard, with minor amounts of wear around the throat area where the original owner probably pulled it out to use the miniature for opening letters. The bands are all there, as are the silvered rings. The rings in this piece look to be miniature key holders. The blade of this example is just like the large counterpart, having three segments. It is high-quality nickel plated example, having its original needlelike tip. This mint condition blade is etched on the reverse with the producer’s name and location “E & F Hörster Solingen”. A very fine half-size miniature here. Near Mint. $495.00

MINI - 015 - 23797 – HALF-SIZE ARMY MINIATURE – E & F HÖRSTER

This half-size Army miniature is the same as I show in my Army book on Page 240. The fittings have a nice silver plating throughout. The pommel is an excellent example, portraying standing oak leaves around the perimeter. The rim is perfect and the upper portion of the pommel has a nice sheen to the silvered patination. The ferrule is also matching patinated, having overlapping oak leaves. The cross guard depicts and open-winged eagle, which looks to the viewer’s left. This bird has good detail to his head, breast feathering, wreath and mobile swastika. The grip is a pretty, deeper orange color. This grip is formed the same way as the large counterpart, having fine detailed segments which run downward from right to left. There is a tiny hair liner crack at the reverse of the grip, but it is nothing. The scabbard is a fine example having pebbled finish throughout. It is still crisp and has good silvered finish. The bands have overlapping oak leaves and they are fitted with small silvered rings. The blade of this example is a high-quality nickel plated type. It is in three segments just like the large counterpart. The obverse of this blade has a striking advertisement on it. It consists of two circles which flank the name of the company. Both circles have the letters “E.W.” inside. In the inner portion of the blade there is the word “wille” and the word “werk-zeuge”. The advertisement would indicate that these half-size Army miniatures were given out as gifts to potential clients. The reverse of the blade is marked with the early logo used by Hörster with just the large “H” letter and the smaller “h” and “s” letter inside pierced by a sword. We do not see this logo much on miniatures and it does not exist as far as I know on the large Army counterpart dagger. A nice, interesting example here in choice condition. Mint Minus. $550.00

MINI - 016 - 24722C – HALF-SIZE NAVAL “U-47” COMMEMORATIVE MINIATURE

This Naval miniature is very similar to the example I show in my Navy book on Page 505. It features a Naval style closed-wing eagle with swastika pommel. The pommel depiction is not exact, being a little bit thick and slightly too large in the bird head area, but this is the way they were made. (These were just letter openers and they were certainly nothing official). The wreathed swastika, though, shows up nicely. The cross guard is the same as the book piece, having fouled anchor depictions at the center blocks. The quillon arms stretch outward with acanthus leaf designs and the button ends are notched nicely with decorative fluting. The grip of this example is an off-white, almost yellow color celluloid. The rib sections are not tilted, but rather are straight segments throughout. This grip is in perfect condition. The scabbard is a white metal base having a thin gilt covering. Most of the gild is worn from this scabbard, but it is easy to see that it was there at one time, as all of the gild is still in the recesses of the lightning bolt designs as well as the ermine feet and acanthus leaves. The bands are a style having overlapping rope designs. There is no throat in this style scabbard. The scabbard bands are equipped with small brass carrying rings. The blade of this example is of an Imperial design. It has a short ricasso with a center ridge having double edge construction. The blade is slightly gray throughout and does have some mild staining. Etched into the surface of the blade is “Oberleutnant Günther Prien”. On the ricasso is the etching “U-47”. These miniatures were a tribute to Günther Prien who, in 1939, snunk into the British Harbor at Scapa Flow and blew up the battleship “Royal Oak”, killing some 3,000 British sailors. Prien was hailed as a war hero and was honored personally by Hitler for his bravery. This commemorative was no doubt on sale at the “PX” and I am sure many German sailors took advantage of its purchase. A nice item for your desk here. Excellent Plus. $395.00(#042508)

MINI - 017 - 2ND MODEL LUFTWAFFE ON WOOD PROPELLER - None.

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 (8372) $ 895.00

MINI - 018 - 3/4 SIZE LUFTWAFFE SWORD ON CAST IRON PROPELLOR

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 (22753) $1,195.00