Germany. A Gold Grade Combat Clasp by Gebrüder Wegerhoff of Lüdenscheid

A fine example of a gold grade grade Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange); constructed of gilded 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, missing its square backing plate; horizontal banjo style pinback (nonmagnetic) with an integrated hinge and an integrated catch; maker marked “GWL” for “Gebrüder Wegerhoff, Lüdenscheid” on the reverse; measuring 96.95 mm x 25.72 mm; weighing 32.2 grams; with most of its finish worn off due to age, but with sufficient gilding remaining to positively identify this example as a gold grade close combat clasp; in overall better than fine condition.

Footnote: This close combat clasp stems from the personal collection of predominant historian Thomas Durante, author of “The German Close Combat Clasp of World War II - A Collectors Guide to the German Close Combat Clasp of World War II”.