A miniature of the 1938 pattern naval dirk represents a scaled-down replica of the regulation edged weapon issued to the command personnel of the German Navy. Such miniature replicas are extremely rare, making them particularly desirable for serious collectors.

The piece was manufactured by the firm Alexander Coppel & Co., known under the trademark Alcoso (an abbreviation of Alexander Coppel Solingen). The company was founded in Solingen in 1821 and was one of the city’s oldest manufacturers of edged weapons. The enterprise produced a wide range of bladed weapons, including bayonets, sabres, swords, and dirks, fulfilling both military and government contracts. Several variants of maker’s marks can be found on the firm’s products.

Mint condition represents the highest preservation category for German edged weapons from the pre-1945 period and characterizes items showing no significant signs of use, storage wear, or restoration. The specimen retains its original factory blade polish, intact nickel plating or bluing, pristine condition of the grip and scabbard without rubbing, scratches, or corrosion. Edged weapons in Mint condition are extremely rare, as the majority of examples were in active service, and represent the maximum collectible value.