Nahkampfspange in bronze

Bronze close combat clasp (in zinc) by Funke & Brüninghaus from Lüdenscheid.

Faintly marked with the maker's initials "F&BL".

From august 1944 the award would often be accompanied by another one depending on the grade.

["Verfügung des Oberkommandos des Heeres vom 30. August 1944"][Hide]

On 26/3/1944 it was announced that the golden grade Nahkampfspange would be awarded by Adolf Hitler in person, who considered it the highest infantry reward. On 30/8/1944 it was stated that, upon his 1st awarding of the Nahkampfspange in gold, Hitler noticed a recipient (Unteroffizier) did not have the EK 1st class and deceided to grant him one. From then on the award could be accompanied by certain other ones, depending on the grade. Source: www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de "The award of a bronze clasp would often bring with it the automatic award of the Iron Cross 2nd class... Likewise the award of the Silver grade would normally be accompanied by the Iron Cross 1st class where appropriate.The Gold grade usually (though not always) brought with it the award of the German Cross in Gold... Source: Osprey, Men at Arms 365 ( WWII German Battle Insignia )