Original German WWII Early Miniature “Salesman’s Sample” Luftwaffe Officer Sword by ALCOSO with Scabbard – Nickel Plated Blade Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a “Miniature” Early Pattern Luftwaffe officer’s sword, which have been observed from several different makers. It is a fine Solingen-Produced example made by the well-known Solingen-based firm of “ALCOSO” Alexander Coppel & Co. KG, Stahlwarenfabrik. Often referred to as “salesman samples”, there is definitely debate over the purpose of these miniature swords and daggers, which are quite useful as letter openers as well. They are constructed much as the full size examples, but the idea of a miniature sword to be used as a sample by sales staff seems somewhat suspect.

This miniature German WWII Luftwaffe officer’s sword is made in the early style, with plated mountings on the grip and scabbard, though in this case they are magnetic iron or steel, not the nickel alloy we usually see. The hilt and crossguard still feature “Sunwheel” style Swas (Hook Cross) emblems, but these look to be plated on, and are not inserts as they would be on the full size swords or daggers. The pommel is round, and the crossguard features the iconic downswept “wings” used on early pattern Luftwaffe swords and daggers. The plating is retained probably about 50%, with a lovely patina overall. The grip is wrapped in fine blue Moroccan leather, and shows little wear, with complete wire binding still intact.

The blade of this miniature sword measures just 6 5/8 inches in length, and is fully nickel plated. The condition is excellent, with just a bit of runner wear, and no oxidation or other major damage. There is still a felt blade buffer up against the cross guard. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the trademark Alcoso used from 1936-1940. It depicts the scales with the firm’s initials, ACS interspersed. Above is the firm’s name in an arc, ALCOSO, and below the town of business, SOLINGEN, the legendary “City of Blades” in Western Germany.

Alcoso is a trade name of Alexander Coppel & Co. KG, Stahlwarenfabrik, located in Solingen, the legendary German “City of Blades.” Per J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the company was a major manufacturer of edged weapons and tools from the end of the 19th century up until the WWII period. Unfortunately, as NSDAP-control increased, brothers Carl Gustav and Dr. Alexander Coppel, the Jewish owners of the firm, were forced out. In 1936 the firm had been “Aryanized”, and started using the name ALCOSO to hide the Jewish family name. By the end of 1936 the brothers were ejected from their Solingen offices, and by 1940 the brand trademark initials ACS were changed to AWS to reflect the change in ownership and name: Alexander Coppel Solingen to Alcoso-Werk Solingen. Carl Gustav Coppel committed suicide in Solingen in 1941, and Dr. Alexander Coppel was arrested in 1942 and sent to Theresienstadt Prison camp, where he died August 5th 1942. The factory itself was destroyed by Allied bombers in November 1944.

The scabbard shell is nice and straight, with just a bit of pressure denting on the sides. It is fit with plated steel, which looks to have been oxide coated in the past, but now displays a lovely worn oxidized patina. The blue Moroccan leather on the scabbard body is in very good condition. It does not have a hanger on the scabbard, but still has the correct two hanger loops at the top of the scabbard indicating it is a sword.

A very nice early miniature Luftwaffe sword from a well-known Solingen maker, with a nickel-plated blade. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Blade Length: 6 5/8″
Blade Style: Double Edge w/ Partial Fuller
Overall length: 2 3/16“
Crossguard: 5″
Scabbard length: 7 3/8”