Bronze Close Combat Clasp by JFS

Product Description: This is a really choice example of a Bronze Close Combat Clasp by JFS. It retains nearly all of the original deep brown bronze finish, with some really attractive golden notes to the eagle’s wings.It doesn’t appear to have ever been worn, and retains all of the crisp original detail. There are just a few small spots of light patination on both sides. The reverse of this bronze Close Combat Clasp is marked with the name of the designer of the clasp, E. E. Peekhaus, as well as the square “JFS” logo of the manufacturer, Josef Feix & Sohn. The original backing plate is still present, held in place with the original crimps, and with all of its original dark finish. The hardware setup is intact, functional, and textbook for this maker, with a crimped hinge and catch. This bronze Close Combat Clasp is a stunning example, loaded with eye appeal.

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.

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