Germany. A Bronze Grade Combat Clasp By Funke & Brüninghaus; Published Example

A fine example of a bronze grade Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange); constructed of bronzed zink alloy; the obverse with a national eagle, with a bayonet and hand grenade in the centerpiece, with sun rays emanating from the centre of the left and right sides, and with four oak leaves and two acorns on each side; the reverse plain, with a square magnetic backing plate; horizontal slender banjo style pinback (magnetic) with a barrel hinge and a flat wire catch; maker marked “F&BL” on the reverse, and displaying typical manufacturing characteristics of Funke & Brüninghaus, Lüdenscheid”, such as the split scrollwork on all corners of the central motif; measuring 98.60 mm (w) x 26.70 mm (h); weighing 32.8 grams; with the majority of the bronze wash worn off, and with light flaking of the paint of the magnetic backing plate visible on the reverse; in overall near very fine condition.

Footnote: This close combat clasp stems from the personal collection of predominant historian Thomas Durante, and is depicted on page 138 in his book, “The German Close Combat Clasp of World War II - A Collectors Guide to the German Close Combat Clasp of World War II”.