{"product_id":"first-u-boat-flotilla-2002-hc-dj-erich-topp-portrait-card-attributed-autograph","title":"First U-Boat Flotilla 2002 HC DJ Erich Topp Portrait Card Attributed Autograph","description":"Military, War \u0026amp; History\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSubcategory: WWII\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTHE FIRST U-BOAT FLOTILLA\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy Lawrence Paterson\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLeo Cooper \/ Pen \u0026amp; Sword Books, 2002\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHardcover with dust jacket\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 085052816X\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn illustrated history of Germany’s First U-Boat Flotilla, accompanied by an Erich Topp portrait card bearing a bold signature attributed to the commander.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe separate portrait card is displayed on the half-title page and bears the printed caption “Kapitänleutnant TOPP.” Topp is pictured in naval uniform with his Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves visible. The card features a textured photographic surface, cream-colored borders, and noticeable toning.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe signature is in dark ink, appearing nearly black with a subtle violet cast under certain lighting. It appears on the portrait card itself, rather than directly on a book page. The card’s production date and the date of signing remain unconfirmed; the autograph is offered as attributed to Erich Topp.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePaterson’s account follows the flotilla from its formation through its wartime operations and final fighting at Brest. Black-and-white illustrations depict U-boats, commanders, crews, and naval activity. The accompanying Topp portrait adds particular interest for collectors of submarine history and naval portraiture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCONDITION\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBook: Very Good. Light toning to the page edges. The photographed interior pages are clean, with well-preserved text and illustrations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDust jacket: Very Good. Light surface rubbing and minor edge wear. The printed £19.95 flap price remains present.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePortrait card: Good. Noticeable toning, scattered border spotting, and corner wear, including a small crease and abrasion at the lower-left corner. The portrait remains clear, and the dark-ink signature is bold and prominent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease examine all photographs, including the detailed views of the portrait card and signature.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eV5","brand":"Second Chapter Book Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67872687948024,"sku":"A63","price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0859\/1025\/7912\/files\/fd2dc166-99ff-407f-a436-8704ddab4431.jpg?v=1793101216","url":"https:\/\/secondchapterbookco.com\/products\/first-u-boat-flotilla-2002-hc-dj-erich-topp-portrait-card-attributed-autograph","provider":"Second Chapter Book Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}