Close Combat Clasp in Silver – JFS

Product Description: A superb and highly desirable example of the Close Combat Clasp in Silver – JFS, manufactured in the second pattern by Josef Feix & Sohn (JFS) of Gablonz. Awarded for participation in a minimum of 30 days of close-quarters combat, this decoration remains one of the most iconic and hard-earned awards of the Wehrmacht. The clasp retains the majority of its original silver finish, with a pleasing, even patina and subtle wear to the high points, resulting in an attractive, aged luster. The reverse is clearly marked with the JFS maker’s stamp and features the correct barrel hinge, banjo-style pin, and flat wire catch, all fully functional. This Close Combat Clasp in Silver – JFS stands out as an excellent example of a rare and combat-earned award.

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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