WW2 GERMAN CLOSE COMBAT CLASP IN GOLD

Offered for sale is a very rare gold close combat clasp. Die cast tombac construction retaining over 50% of its original gold wash. Single rivited magnetic backing plate and hook in good condition, pin and hook also in good condition and works perfectly. Non maker marked, measures 95 mm x 25 mm.

The Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange) is a German military award instituted on 25 November 1942 for achievement in hand-to-hand fighting in close quarters. The award was bestowed in three classes: Bronze for 15 close combat battles; Silver for 25 battles; and Gold for 50+ battles. The Gold Close Combat Clasp was often regarded in higher esteem than the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross by the German infantry. Of the roughly 18–20 million soldiers of the German Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS, 36,400 received the Bronze Class, 9,500 the Silver Class and 631 the Gold Class.