Close Clombat Clasp in Bronze – Juncker

Product Description:  A desirable Close Combat Clasp in Bronze – Juncker, crafted in zinc by the esteemed firm C.E. Juncker of Berlin. This example displays honest field wear and an appealing, untouched patina. The original bronze finish remains partially visible, particularly within recessed areas, offering attractive contrast to the base metal beneath.

The clasp retains fine detail throughout the obverse, with some flaking and surface oxidation visible on both sides, consistent with the zinc construction typical of mid-to-late war production. The reverse presents a period field repair to the catch, skillfully executed with a makeshift replacement fabricated from tombak—an evocative testament to frontline use and resourcefulness.

Despite these service-related characteristics, the clasp remains in very good overall condition, with strong relief to the central motif and intact hinge and pin assembly. Clasp rates in Very Good condition.

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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