Germany, Heer. A Miniature Officer’s Miniature Dagger with Presentation Case, by A.Coppel

(Heer Offiziersdolch mit Etui). A well-preserved Heer Officer’s miniature dagger/letter opener, measuring 240 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 150 mm-long magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and semi-sharpened edges. The blade presents plain with the exception of a maker’s mark near the reverse ricasso of “ALCOSO, SOLINGEN” for the former form of Alexander Coppel, flanked by the company’s scale logo. The blade sits securely within a silvered zink alloy upper crossguard, the obverse of which consists of a finely-detailed Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed light brown celluloid, while the dagger completes with a flattened and rounded pommel, with raised oak leaves distributed around the exterior circumference. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a pebbled magnetic metal shaft. It features two integrated bands with raised oak leaf designs each completing in a loop for attachment to a hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the dagger in place during storage. It demonstrates some issues consistent with age, including some oxidation of the metal, as well as minor loss of finish to the zink alloy fixtures. The dagger is in an overall better than very fine condition. It is accompanied by a presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner. It features a purple velveteen lid liner with dual intact hinge covers. The liner bears a gilt maker’s mark of “A. SCHELLINGS NACHF, DORNBIRN”. The interior also features a slotted maroon felt bed, which is possibly a replacement fixture. It closes with dual functional bronze snap buttons. The case measures 280 mm (w) x 125 mm (l) x 40 mm (h). Some material fatigue is evident, but it is in an overall better than very fine condition.