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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 -002 - #28080 3/4 SIZE RAD OFFICER - Alcoso
This 3/4 size Alcoso miniature is very much in demand and is a very rare type. It measures about 8 inches in length. All fittings are a fine silver plate over heavy base metal. The design absolutely emulates all of the details of the full size officer’s model. The noble pommel/head features an eagle looking to the viewer’s left. All details are visible to the eye, beak and brow. Additionally, the bird has the accent cuts in the back of his neck going downward. The ferrule is the same as the large example, having the swirl designs positioned on a 45° angle. The cross guard features the swirled quillon ends and on the obverse, there is the insignia of the RAD. It consists of a spade positioned between two wheat shafts. The shovel has a lined surface and there is a mobile swastika positioned in the center. Much of the detail here is rendered by hand. All of the silvering is intact across this beautiful hilt. The grip plates are also a real treat to the collector’s eye. These grip plates are in absolutely perfect condition and they have turned to a golden orange color. There are some hints of swirls in the surfaces. These plates are as pretty as I have ever seen them. Most likely, when the miniature was new the plates were white, so, time and light have done us a favor here. The scabbard is also identical to the large counterpart. It features a panel at the lower area having good pebbling. Above the panel is the complicated RAD swirl design having lined centers to give relief to the depiction. The motif is positioned above two wheat shafts which are on a 45° angle. They do not touch each other. These same wheat shafts appear on the lower chape area. On the large size RAD officers, the reverse of the scabbard only has the pebbled panel design. On the miniature though, the swirls and the wheat shafts are depicted just like the obverse. I will bet a lot of you miniature collectors may never have noticed this! The choice blade of this example is about 5¼ inches in length. It is in the shape of a bowie design having a narrow fuller at the upper area. Below the fuller is the etched slogan of the RAD “Arbeit Adelt”. The etching is done in gothic letters and it has all of its dark black background. This choice blade reflects 100% of its original nickel plated surfaces and other than just a little bit of age around the ricasso areas, the blade is still in mint condition. The reverse ricasso has the 1937-39 trademark of the producer, featuring a set of scales having the letters “acs” interspersed. Above the scales is the firm’s name in block letters positioned in an arch “ALCOSO”. Below is the town of manufacturer “Solingen”. An absolute must here for miniature collectors and for those having a large RAD officer counterpart, these ¾ size miniatures really display well next to one of them. A great miniature here!
Excellent Plus, Plus. $2,895.00
MINI -003 - #28115C IMPERIAL MINATURE 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 -004 - #28116C IMPERIAL MINATURE 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 -005- #27147 3/4 SIZE ARMY MINIATURE - 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 firms 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 firms 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. $795.00
MINI -009- #26362C 1/2 SIZE MINIATURE - 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 viewers
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 makers 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. $495.00
MINI -010- #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. $295.00
MINI -011- #18631 CASED MINIATURE DLV / 1ST LUFTWAFFE
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 -012- #1707 MINIATURE SKINNER WITH TOOLS IN THE 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. $225.00
MINI -013- #7279 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. $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 viewers
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 producers 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
viewers 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- #8372 2ND MODEL LUFTWAFFE ON WOOD PROPELLER
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 -017- #22753 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. $1,195.00