*German, WW2, Waffen SS Close Combat Clasp – Nahkampfspange, Silver Class, Made by F&BL – Funke & Brüninghaus, Lüdenscheid*
Fine cast zinc alloy example. Reichsadler above a grenade and a bayonet, flanked by oak-leaves, the reverse with a flat hinged pin, magnetic backplate, makers mark F&BL (Funke & Brüninghaus, Lüdenscheid). 97mm long.
The Close Combat Bar was instituted on November 25, 1942, by Adolf Hitler, in order to recognize the courage of the German soldier in hand-to-hand combat. This award was completely independent of the Infantry Combat Badge. The badge designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin (his name preceded by FEC can be found on the reverse of some examples), and was instituted in three classes, bronze, silver, and gold.
The award was bestowed in three classes:
For 15 battles of close combat clasp bronze class was awarded.
For 25 battles of close combat clasp silver class was awarded.
For 50+ battles of close combat gold clasp class was awarded.
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.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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