Nahkampfspange in Bronze - 'JFS'

Close Combat Clasp in Bronze (Nahkampfspange in Bronze). The Close Combat Clasp was introduced on 25 November 1942 for award to personnel who fought in hand-to-hand combat situations unsupported by armor. The clasp was issued in three grades: Bronze for fifteen combat days, Silver for thirty combat days and Gold for fifty combat days. The badge is a 'Feinzink' version, the design is showing a crossed bayonet and stick grenade. The badge, which still has great detail, has a functional pin and catch. It has never been cleaned nor polished and still retains most of its original bronze finish. The the medal is complete with its original magnetic back-plate. The badge is nicely maker marked with 'JFS' indicating production by the company of 'Josef Feix & Söhne' in Gablonz an der Neiße. This is a scarce original first pattern from this company showing the incused designer's mark and a continuous raised crimping lip around the hinge. Nice example in good used and worn condition.