Germany, Kriegsmarine. A Korvettenkapitän Otto Kretschmer Wartime Postcard certificate_of_authenticity gilt aluminum “HV” (Heeres Verwaltung)

gilt aluminum “HV” (Heeres Verwaltung) insignia

Footnote: This sword was introduced to the Army prior to the start of the Crimean War

with "2" to the left of the head and assay city marked "A" (Vienna) to the right of the head on the ring

Wreath constructed of nickel-silver

Germany, Kriegsmarine. A Korvettenkapitän Otto Kretschmer Wartime Postcard certificate_of_authenticity gilt aluminum “HV” (Heeres Verwaltung)(Kriegsmarine Postkarte). A wartime postcard depicting Korvettenkapitn Otto Kretschmer, the top U Boat ace of the war who sunk 47 Allied ships between September 1939 and March 1941 for a total of 274,333 gross register tons, in uniform and with the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves clearly visible, the reverse unused in with a Hoffmann studio mark, measuring 90 mm (w) x 140 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.