Germany, Federal Republic. A Close Combat Clasp, Gold Grade, 1957 Version by Steinhauer & Lück Republic of (Afrikakorps Gürtel)

(Afrikakorps Gürtel)

incorporating twenty-four pages of colour plates inserted at three locations (pages 33-40

issued on 23 May 1943 and featuring the handwritten signature of General Willi Harmjanz

The Lieutenant grade was formerly known as the Member (4th Class)

Footnote: Third Class with Swords was seldom awarded for exceptional Military Bravery and leadership

Germany, Federal Republic. A Close Combat Clasp, Gold Grade, 1957 Version by Steinhauer & Lück Republic of (Afrikakorps Gürtel)(Nahkampfspange in Gold). Constructed of fire gilded bronze, the obverse consisting of a central square oak leaf wreath, surrounding a crossed bayonet and stick grenade, overlaying a blackened magnetic metal backplate, flanked on each side by four rays and four oak leaves with two acorns, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering horizontal pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of an early 1957 version