Original German WWII “Battlefield Pickup” Condition Close Combat Clasp Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Known in German as a Nahrkampfspange (Melee Clasp), this award is constructed of slightly vaulted zinc. The front side has a Reichsadler (national eagle) over a crossed bayonet and hand grenade in the centerpiece. There are sun rays emanating from the center of the left and right sides, with with four oak leaves and two acorns on each side. The reverse is plain, with a square magnetic backing plate with horizontal pin back, with a barrel hinge and a flat wire catch on the reverse. The clasp measures 3.85 inches (97.85 mm) W x 1.04 inches (26.50 mm) H.

There may have been maker markings on the back of the badge, however this example looks to have sat in the dirt on the field for a period of time, which resulted in oxidation to the zinc body, as well as the steel backing plate. This made the reverse rough, which unfortunately has made reading any markings impossible. Overall condition shows significant oxidation of the zinc, which has bubbled and discolored.

A very interesting “battlefield pickup” condition example, ready to display!

The Close Combat Clasp (German: Nahkampfspange) is a German military award instituted on 25 November 1942 for achievement in hand-to-hand fighting in close quarters. The Close Combat Clasp was worn above the upper left uniform pocket. The clasp was die-cast and made of either tombac or later zinc, with a slightly curved centerpiece consisting of the national emblem surmounting a crossed bayonet and hand grenade.

The award was bestowed in three classes: Bronze for 15 close combat battles; Silver for 25 battles; and Gold for 50+ battles. The Gold Close Combat Clasp was often regarded in higher esteem than the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross by the German infantry. Of the roughly 18–20 million soldiers of the German Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS, 36,400 received the Bronze Class, 9,500 the Silver Class and 631 the Gold Class.