Close Combat Clasp in Silver – Zinc Construction
This example shows clear remnants of its original silver plating, with visible wear consistent with used condition.
The clasp features soldered hardware on the band, exhibiting the manufacturer’s characteristic rough soldering style. Alongside the solder material, especially at the hinge base, there is a distinct flanged area designed to aid precise soldering.
At the base of the hinge, the manufacturer’s mark is visible: Friedrich Linden, Lüdenscheid (“FLL”), stamped in an arched script within three concentric circles.
Adjacent to the catch, the designer’s name W.E. Peekhaus, Berlin is marked.
The pin is a “full banjo style”, typical for Linden, slightly bent downwards on the hinge side.
On the front, a longitudinal dotted line defect runs along the horizontal grenade, resulting from damage to the striking die during manufacturing.
Notably, the backing plate is still present—this is quite rare for Linden clasps, as the manufacturer used a relatively weak method to secure the backplate, leading to many examples losing theirs over time.
The Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange) was awarded to Wehrmacht soldiers for demonstrated bravery in hand-to-hand fighting.
The bronze grade was awarded after 15 confirmed days of close combat, silver after 30, and gold after 50 days.
Close combat had to be documented and confirmed by a unit commander’s report.
