German WWII Close Combat Clasp in Bronze by FLL

German WWII Close Combat Clasp in Bronze by FLL-This badge has lost the majority of its original bronze finish, but let me tell that this does not detract from the beauty of this badge. Take a moment to look at the photos to appreciate the tone and the details on this clasp. They are beautiful. This award has a gun metal gray color that looks excellent with the black back plate, that is in place. The reverse is maker marked 'F.L.L' with the maker mark on the right side of the back plate next to the hinge. This indicates production by Friedrich Linden of Lüdenscheid. The name and location of the designer, W.E. Peekhaus, is seen to the left. The reverse has the correct bronze finished 'coke bottle' shaped pin, which works just fine. The hinge is crimped, and the round wire catch sits on a round base which is also crimped. A desirable CCC.History: The Close Combat Clasp series of awards were introduced on November 25th, 1942, for award to personnel who fought in hand-to-hand combat situations unsupported by armor. The Clasp was issued in three grades of Bronze, Silver and Gold with each successive grade signifying more days spent in hand-to-hand or close combat. Criteria for award of the clasps consisted of fifteen days of hand-to-hand combat for bestowal of the bronze clasp, thirty days of hand-to-hand combat for bestowal of the silver clasp and fifty days of hand-to-hand combat for bestowal of the gold clasp. There was also a prescribed, combat to time served ratio, enabling long serving personnel to be eligible for award of a clasp.