Germany, Ss. A Long Service Award, Ii Class For 12 Years, With Case GTRexclude A rare wartime signed portrait

A rare wartime signed portrait of U-Boat ace Karl-Friedrich Merten

plus a map on page 3 illustrating the ship's ports of call in the Mediterranean and in North America

intact interior fabric hinge cover with the exterior paper hinge also intact

His post war fate is unknown

Germany, Ss. A Long Service Award, Ii Class For 12 Years, With Case GTRexclude A rare wartime signed portrait(SS Dienstauszeichnung II. Klasse fr 12 Jahre mit Etui). Constructed of silvered bronze, consisting of a swastika with ribbed arms, the obverse bearing central wreathed double Sig runes, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of FR TREUE DIENSTE IN DER SS (FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE IN THE SS), the twelve oclock arm topped by an integral ring with a teardrop suspension loop retaining a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 38. 40 mm (w) x 42. 78 mm