SOLD - Nazi Close Combat Clasp in Bronze

Description

10/26/23 - This is an original Nazi Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange), made by Juncker in Berlin. The program to award these was instituted on November 25, 1942, to recognize the feats of German soldiers in close quarters combat. Units with soldiers who survived hand-to-hand fights with the enemy would keep track of the dates and places of each of these battles, and soldiers who survived enough encounters became eligible for this award. Because only front-line troops with direct combat experience could earn this clasp, it was a regarded as a highly prestigious award. The Close Combat Clasp was awarded in three grades: Bronze, for 15 close combat days; Silver, for 25 close combat days, and Gold, for 50 or more days of close combat. Hitler reserved the right to personally award the Gold Close Combat Clasp, which was widely regarded as more prestigious than even the Knight’s Cross. The total amount of these clasps awarded, in all grades, was fewer than 50,000. It retains most of the original factory-applied bronze finish, with stunning, sharply engraved details. Natural patina and high edge wear throughout. Fully functional block hinge with banjo-style attachment pin and sheet metal catch. A truly exceptional and desirable piece of history!