Rare GWL Close Combat Clasp in Bronze

Product Description: This GWL Close Combat Clasp is an outstanding example of this very rare variant. It’s made of fine zinc. The obverse shows virtually zero wear, and the beautiful bronze finish is beautifully preserved, with smooth surfaces and attractive golden tones. The front of this badge is exceptionally clean and is close to the factory new appearance. On the reverse, this GWL Close Combat Clasp is completely intact, with no repairs. It’s marked with the stylized “GWL” in a circle maker mark of the firm of Gebrüder Wegerhoff in Lüdenscheid. The reverse of the badge has a mild, uncleaned patina. The hardware setup features an integral cast hinge and catch, and a stamped, fluted attachment pin. The original backing plate is firmly held by the original crimps. It would likely be impossible to upgrade this rare clasp. The condition rates as near mint.

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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