Juncker Close Combat Clasp in Bronze

Product Description: This is a pristine, near mint example of the extremely desirable Juncker Close Combat Clasp in Bronze. It’s a real gem, with super nice bronze finish, and 100 percent of the original lacquer coating intact. This piece is struck from zinc. The obverse shows only the slightest hint of wear to the high points. 99 percent of the original, attractive bronze finish remains present on the front, and all of the original detail is still fully evident. The reverse also retains full original finish and is textbook Juncker. It’s marked with the name of the badge’s designer, Peekhaus in Berlin, and also maker marked by Juncker. The hinge, pin and catch are intact and functional, and totally original. The steel backing plate is still held in place with the original crimps. It would be hard to find a nicer example of a Juncker Close Combat Clasp.

Historical Description: The Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange) 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 and other extremely close-range combat actions would keep track of the dates and places of each of these battles, and soldiers who managed to make it through many of these fights became eligible for this award. Because only front-line troops with direct combat experience could earn this clasp, it was a regarded by the soldiers as a very 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.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries 

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com