Germany (Federal Republic): Close Combat Badge (Nahkampfspange) 1942-1945. Silver Grade. De-Nazified 1957 'Bundswehr' version

This an approved 1957 version, for wear by Second World War veterans without the offending 'Nazi' emblem, i.e., the Swastika symbol used by the Third Reich

Dimension: 9.8cm (L) x 2.6cm (H)

Weight: 42g

The badge with crossed 'Grenade & Bayonet' weapons in centre, on top of a black panel

The Close Combat Clasp (German: Nahkampfspange) was a World War II German military award instituted on 25 November 1942 for participation in hand-to-hand fighting at close quarters. Intended primarily for infantry, other Wehrmacht, Waffen-SS, ground Luftwaffe units and paratroopers were also eligible

The award was bestowed in three classes:

- Bronze for 15 close combat actions
- Silver for 25 close combat actions
- Gold for 50 close combat actions

Close combat actions were counted from 1 December 1942, with earlier long service on the Eastern Front counting towards the award, with 15 continuous months counting as 15 combat days; 12 months as 10 days; and 8 months as 5 days

For those who had received disabling wounds, there was discretion to make the award after 10, 20 and 40 actions

The clasp was worn prominently above the upper left uniform pocket, and above any medal ribbon bar. Only one badge, the highest level received, could be worn in uniform. The design of all three classes was the same

Nazi-era awards were initially banned by the post-war Federal Republic of Germany. In 1957 many World War II military decorations, including the Close Combat Clasp were re-designed to remove the eagle and swastika, and then re-authorised for wear by qualifying veterans

A solid struck complete with original long horizontal pin & clasp fittings on reverse

Of crisp bright appearance with good silver frosting

Condition: EF

Code: 24177