{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-silver-close-combat-clasp-by-friedrich-linden-fll-of-ludenscheid-missing-backing-plate","title":"Original German WWII Silver Close Combat Clasp by Friedrich Linden “FLL” of Lüdenscheid - Missing Backing Plate","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive German WWII Silver Grade Close Combat Clasp, known in German as the \u003ci\u003eNahkampfspange in Silber\u003c\/i\u003e, manufactured by \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eFriedrich Linden of Lüdenscheid\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e. The reverse bears the firm's distinctive \u003cb\u003eFLL\u003c\/b\u003e trademark, with each letter contained within one of three adjoining circles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe clasp is of silvered zinc construction and follows the distinctive horizontally elongated design created for this award. The center features a German national eagle and swas. above a crossed bayonet and Model 24-style stick grenade. Oak leaves and acorns frame the central panel, while ribbed radiating fields lead outward to additional oak-leaf sprays at either end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse bears the raised inscription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFEC. W. E. PEEKHAUS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e BERLIN\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe abbreviation \u003cb\u003eFEC.\u003c\/b\u003e derives from the Latin \u003ci\u003efecit\u003c\/i\u003e, meaning approximately “\u003ci\u003emade by\u003c\/i\u003e” and identifies \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eWilhelm Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, who is credited with designing the Close Combat Clasp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opposite side bears the distinctive trademark:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eF L L\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewith each letter enclosed within one of three adjoining circles. This identifies the manufacturer as \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eFriedrich Linden of Lüdenscheid\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is good overall, with the clasp retaining an attractive amount of its silver-colored finish despite some wear. The finish has mellowed to a gray-silver tone, with brighter traces remaining on portions of the raised surfaces and darker oxidation and patination visible throughout the recessed areas. The zinc body shows scattered surface spotting, oxidation, and age-related texture, particularly on the reverse. The central relief remains well defined, including the oak leaves, crossed weapons, eagle, and ribbed side panels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most notable condition issue is the \u003cb\u003emissing central backing plate\u003c\/b\u003e, which was originally fitted behind the central combat motif. Its absence leaves the interior cutouts and reverse of the central design exposed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eNahkampfspange\u003c\/b\u003e, or Close Combat Clasp, was instituted on \u003cb\u003eNovember 25, 1942\u003c\/b\u003e as a recognition specifically for repeated participation in close-range ground combat. Unlike many campaign decorations or assault badges, qualification depended upon an accumulated number of officially recognized close-combat days rather than participation in a particular campaign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree grades were established:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBronze\u003c\/b\u003e – 15 qualifying close-combat days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSilver\u003c\/b\u003e – 30 qualifying close-combat days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eGold\u003c\/b\u003e – 50 qualifying close-combat days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Silver Grade represented here therefore required substantially more documented close-range combat than the introductory Bronze Grade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA qualifying day did not simply mean that a soldier had been somewhere near the front. Period regulations were intended to recognize actual close combat fought on foot, including offensive and defensive actions in which the individual directly engaged the enemy at short range. The necessary days could be accumulated over a prolonged period rather than consecutively, allowing experienced frontline soldiers to qualify after repeated combat actions across different operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecial provisions also existed for severely wounded soldiers who could no longer reasonably complete the ordinary requirements. In those circumstances, reduced thresholds could be authorized, reflecting the purpose of the clasp as recognition for sustained exposure to close-range fighting rather than simply time spent in a combat zone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce awarded, the Close Combat Clasp was worn prominently above the ribbon bar on the left breast of the uniform. Its elongated form and central weapons motif made it one of the most immediately recognizable German Army combat decorations of WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45847365058629,"sku":"ONSV26MSB092","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/EFEFC2DF-5196-4461-825C-7FF5913D36A8.jpg?v=1790422796","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-silver-close-combat-clasp-by-friedrich-linden-fll-of-ludenscheid-missing-backing-plate","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}