Original World War Two German Close Combat Clasp in Bronze well marked with embossed designer's name and address, "Fec. W.E. Peekhaus Berlin" and manufacturer's name and address, "Ausf. C. E. Juncker Berlin".
The Close Combat Clasp series of awards was introduced on November 25th, 1942, to honor personnel who fought in hand-to-hand combat situations without armor. The Clasp was available in three grades: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each successive grade represented more days spent in hand-to-hand or close combat. To receive the Bronze clasp, a person needed to have spent fifteen days in such combat. For the Silver clasp, thirty days of combat were required, and for the Gold clasp, fifty days. Additionally, there was a prescribed ratio of combat time to time served, which allowed long-serving personnel to be eligible for the award.
Juncker 3rd Pattern example. This nicely detailed, die-struck alloy construction clasp features a central square panel with a recessed background field. The field is embossed with a national eagle with outstretched wings, positioned above a crossed bayonet and grenade. The eagle is flanked by four oak leaves and two acorns, all superimposed on a ribbed, horizontal, outward-pointing base. The recessed central square panel is missing its backing plate. The clasp is complete with its original hinge, pin, and catch assembly. Reverse well marked with embossed designer's name and address, "Fec. W.E. Peekhaus Berlin" and manufacturer's name and address, "Ausf. C. E. Juncker Berlin".
