Germany, Third Reich. A Close Combat Clasp, Gold Grade, 2nd Pattern, by Rudolf Souval, “Fat Bellied Pin & Thickwire Catch” Version

(Nahkampfspange in Gold). Instituted November 25th, 1942. (1942-1945). Constructed of fire gilded zink, the obverse consisting of a central square oak leaf wreath, topped by a Wehrmacht eagle clutching a mobile swastika, situated above a crossed bayonet and stick grenade situated over a hollow void, flanked on each side by four oak leaves and sun rays interspersed with two acorns, the reverse with a barrel hinge and “fat bellied pin” and “Thickwire catch”, marked “R.S” for manufacture by Rudolf Souval of Vienna, measuring 96.8 mm (w) x 26.0 mm (l), weighing 33.94 grams, with nearly all of its original finish worn off but with sufficient remaining in the crevices on the obverse and on the reverse of the pinback to positively identify this as a gold grade specimen, in near very fine condition.