German Close Combat Clasp In bronze. Nahkampfspange

German Close Combat Clasp In bronze. Nahkampfspange
Close Combat Clasp In bronze. (Nahkampfspange in Bronze). The Close Combat Clasp series of awards were introduced on November 25th 1942 for award to personnel who fought in hand-to-hand combat situations unsupported by armor. The Clasp was issued in three grades, of Bronze, Silver and Gold with each successive grade signifying more days spent in hand-to-hand or close combat. Criteria for award of the clasps consisted of fifteen days of hand-to-hand combat for bestowal of the Bronze clasp, thirty days of hand-to-hand combat for bestowal of the Silver clasp and fifty days of hand-to-hand combat for bestowal of the Gold clasp. There was also a prescribed, combat to time served ratio, enabling long serving personnel to be eligible for award of a clasp. Die struck zinc construction clasp.The recessed, central, square panel, magnetic sheet metal, backing plate positioned behind the eagle, bayonet and grenade motif which is held in place by crimped side tabs on the reverse. Soldered, hinge inset into a rectangular recess with raised lips, a broad, tapering, horizontal pin and a heavy soldered catch on base plate. Manufacturers mark "Fec W.E. Peekhaus Berlin - A.G.M.u.K. Gablonz"
Condition: From the battlefield, with traces of hard wear. As the pictures shown.