Germany. A Silver Grade Combat Clasp by Hymmen & Comapny; Published Example

A fine example of a silver grade Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange); constructed of silvered zink alloy; the obverse with a national eagle, with a bayonet and hand grenade in the centerpiece, with sun rays emanating from the centre of the left and right sides, and with four oak leaves and two acorns on each side; the reverse plain, with a square non-magnetic backing plate; horizontal banjo style pinback (nonmagnetic) with a barrel hinge and a flat wire catch; maker marked “H&C, L” as well as “L/53” on the reverse; measuring 97.00 mm (w) x 26.66 mm (h); weighing 33.5 grams; with the silver finish extremely well preserved, in overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This close combat clasp stems from the personal collection of predominant historian Thomas Durante, and is depicted on pages 166-167 in his book, “The German Close Combat Clasp of World War II - A Collectors Guide to the German Close Combat Clasp of World War II”.