I'd say prototype is a poor name here. I expect a prototype to be a pre-production model.
I would rather say "Trial Production" if a limited number is produced for verification by the customer before the mass-volume is produced.
On a side-line, it happens all the time in the Army/ AF in Norway, they want a new insignia or article, the producers come up with a design which is made in a limited production for verification by the various offices. Binned or accepted.
Looking with such eyes at these daggers with the special motto and eagle etc, maybe they were just the same, ie Production Samples for approval by the authorities, and someone just said -No, Try again.
