Gold Presentation Close Combat Clasp by Juncker
One of the rarest bravery awards of the Wehrmacht during World War II. Close Combat Clasp in Gold - presentation issue (so-called hook clasp) manufactured by Juncker. Tombak presentation clasp type 2, with polished fire gilding and attachment hook inset in a circular base. Riveted, blackened cover plate, with additional suspension hook on the reverse of the eagle's head. Beautiful specimen manufactured by the company C.E. Juncker in Berlin with completely intact gilding and distinct signs of wear. Width 96.2 mm. Weight 37.1 g. Soon after the institution of the Close Combat Clasp in November 1942 it became clear that it would only be possible in very few cases to accomplish 50 days of close combat and thus to achieve gold level (in 1943 only around 40 badges were awarded). Therefore, Hitler took it upon himself to bestow this "highest infantry award" in person from March 1944 onwards and awarded a total of 50 clasps specially manufactured by Juncker "in a quality befitting an order" in four ceremonies until the end of September. This kind of presentation clasp type 2 was awarded to 119 combatants in total by Heinrich Himmler between October 1944 and March 1945 (three ceremonies) as commander of the Ersatzheer (reserve troops) on behalf of Hitler, and by Generaloberst Guderian on 10 March 1945. There were only ever 633 of these awarded making this award rarer than the Oak Leaves (890 recipients).
| Rating: | NM |
| Item Number: | M-14344 |
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