Bronze Close Combat Clasp by FEC.W.E. PEEKHAUS BERLIN

This German Bronze Close Combat Clasp manufactured by FEC.W.E. PEEKHAUS BERLIN and designed by AUSF. A.G.M.u.K. GABLONZ is in excellent condition and retains a good amount of the original bronze finish. It has no discernable damage and retains the original black backing plate (a piece that is often missing in many examples) which remains stable and well attached. The pin remains functional and retains some tension as well. This is overall an excellent example of highly intact Bronze Close Combat Clasp.

Starting November 25, 1942 German High Command began authorizing the issue and wear of the Close Combat Clasp series of awards. Issued in Bronze, Silver, and Gold this award symbolizes the number of close combat battles that the soldier awarded it had survived. With the bronze award indicating having survived 15 days of close combat, silver 25 days of close combat, and gold representing 50 days of close combat, this award was relatively rare. Of the nearly 20,000,000 soldiers of the German military during World War 2, less than 40,000 were awarded the bronze combat clasp, less than 10,000 the silver combat clasp, and less than 700 the gold combat clasp. This award was traditionally worn above the left breast pocket of the German uniform.