Close Combat Clasp Book Announcement!

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

I am very happy to make the formal announcement that the Close Combat Clasp book is set to release to the public on November 15th, 2007! What started out as a haphazard set of documents and pictures for my own personal use in collecting has transformed into the most complete reference book on the Close Combat Clasp every created. Details of the book are as follows:

Title: The German Close Combat Clasp of World War II

Release Date: November 15th, 2007

ISBN: 978-90-81230-11-7

Size: 310 pages (full color), 6" x 9" hard-cover

Language: English

Price: 69.95 Euros + S/H


In general, the book covers every original variant of the Close Combat Clasp ever produced and contains the following:

*60+ pages solely devoted to the mind-numbing myriad of AGMuK variants and neatly categorizes them into easily-recognizable groups

*Identification/connection of 3 unmarked CCCs to known makers

*A "Chart of Finishes" after each maker section showing examples of the different types of finishes used by each company and the different wear patterns that can be found on originals by each maker

*Gold Presentation Close Combat Clasp and its variants as well as detailed pictures of each different case these rare awards came in

*In-depth section on the "History & Regulations" of the CCC

*Award Documents, showcasing all types from the typical format to the ultra-rare variants

*Minatures

*Reproductions, showing 13 of the most up to date and high quality fakes on the market today along with several fake packet examples

*Section on "Future Research" depicting examples of how many of the AGMuK CCCs could possibly be attributed to several makers in the Gablonz area

*875 pictures, many never seen before in any publication or forum.


I am extremely proud of how this book has taken shape over the past 2 years and would like to thank the many contributors from all around the world who have helped me along the way and whose badges are featured in the book.

We will be taking firm orders only when the book is actually printed. Until then, you can be added to my list of people to notify when that time comes. To be added to the list, please send me an email at tdurante@empireeng.com or simply PM me.

Thanks for your time and support for this publiction. It was my goal to provide the most accurate and complete work on the Close Combat Clasp that will stand the test of time. I know those of you who share my passion for the "highest German infantry commendation of WWII" will really enjoy this book.

**GermanCombatAwards.com forum Premium Members will receive a 15% discount including a one year renewal of there subscription fee. If you are not currently a premium member, simply sign up before placing your book order

Thomas M. Durante, author

[Marc Garlasco]

Simply awesome. You are setting the standard for the CCC!
Marc

[Jeff V]

I can't wait! best wishes,
jeff

[Graeme]

Great work Tom

cheers
Graeme

[mmiller]

Tom,

The light at the end of the tunnel will be very illuminating. The book will cover a relatively, up till now, unexplored topic.

I can only sing praises to guys such as yourself, Marc, Frank, Eric, and Dietrich, but to name a few.

With Admiration,
Mark

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the compliments, I really appreciate it. I have been overwhelmed with emails, PMs and even phone calls for orders already I want to say thanks for the interest. This book would never have been possible without all the great help from contributors all around the world. Says alot about our hobby. Looking forward to getting the books in the collectors hands in a few weeks!

Thanks guys.

Tom

[Peter Wiking]

Looking forward to your book.

Peter

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

Only 29 more days to go! Please email or pm me to be put on the pre-order list. The website will be up in about a week with ordering information, payment options, etc.

Thanks for the support!

Tom

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

Well, the website is now up where you can view more information on the book. Make sure you click at the bottom of the page, and you will be able to view some screen shots from the book. Pascal is a true master at setting these things up, the method for viewing the screenshots is just unbeatable!

Only 28 days to go to release!

http://www.papjay.com/newrelease.html

Tom

[Pascal H.]

Just a little update on the Close Combat Clasp “test” prints which are only just dry from the presses.
These are simply the best I have ever seen. Details on the claps hardly visible with the naked eye, now razor sharp on paper.
I was lucky enough not only to see the test prints but the actual prints as they will appear in the book.

Prepare yourself for something sensational. This is simple the best reference book I, and I am sure you too, have ever seen!!!

You just can’t compare the screenshots with the actual prints as the actual prints are 100 times better.

KR
Pascal

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

I have gotten many emails for an update on the books, so I figured I would post here for everyone to see. All the books are printed and it is my understanding that they are getting their bindings put on and covers added. They still need to be individually wrapped in plastic and their cardboard cartons after this, but we have been told that Nov. 15th is still the date

No pre-orders yet. We decided not to take any pre-order money to aleviate any problems with buyers if the books happened to be delayed for any reason. Nov. 15th is still the target date and our printers have told us that it is tight, but that is what they are shooting for. I know we American's are antsy to get our orders in due to the Euro conversion, but it is only 12 days away

In the next week or so, we wil update the website (www.papjay.com) with the actual ordering-page, where you can place your order, number of copies, payment options, shipping instructions, etc. Once we have the books in our hands, the website will be updated. Keep your eye on the website or this thread for the update that this has occurred.

Anyone can still ofcourse email me at tdurante@empireeng.com to be put on the notification list and when we update the website, you will get an individual email notice.

Thanks guys.

Tom

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

One final bit of information on the Close Combat Clasp book before it is released. I am proud to announce that Manfred Dorr has written the forward to my book! Anyone remotely interested in the Nahkampfspange surely knows Manfred Dorr, author of the excellent book "Die Trager der Nahkampfspange in Gold". Over the past year I have gotten to know Herr Dorr and he has been instrumental in helping me with knowledge of this rare award in gold. It was a proud day for me several months ago when he immediately agreed to my request to write the forward for my book.

The forward will be in English and in German!

Book is scheduled to be in our hands and ready to order this Thursday, November 15th! I will immediately update the forum threads and send out emails to those who have emailed me over the past few months as a notification to go to the website to order.

www.papjay.com

Thanks!

Tom Durante

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

Books will arrive tomorrow from the printer! We will update the website to add an "ordering" page where you guys can place your orders. I will also email everyone on the list notifiying you the minute the website is up and running.

Thanks guys.

Tom

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

I am very happy and proud to announce that the Close Combat Clasp books are now on sale!!! Please go to the order page of:

http://www.papjay.com/order.html

The books were printed in Belgium and will be shipped from Belgium. I have gotten many requests for signed copies of the book, but this is not really feasible since I am in the US and I assumed that many of you guys would rather have the books in hand earlier and quicker and not wait to have my signature on it. Due to the continued requests, I have decided that I will have a limited number of books (30) sent to me from Belgium to the US. I will sign and number these books (1-30) and will be happy to do it if people want to wait the extra time, I would estimate that it would take an extra week or so to get to you. These will be available for an additional $10 above the actual price of the book and will be an additional shipping charge since we have to package and ship them 2 times. If you want one of these Limited Copies, please just email me the request instead of ordering straight from the website at tdurante@empireeng.com

Thanks guys, hope you enjoy the book!

Tom

http://www.papjay.com/order.html

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

Well, the first orders are packaged up and at the post office this afternoon after a very successful first day of sales! I want to thank everyone who has purchased already and appreciate you waiting. I still have many PMs and emails to sort through and will get to you in time.

Here is a little preview to help the wait. The first books should arrive in a few days!!

Thanks

Tom