Close Combat badge questions

[crudos]

I got this from my grandmother back in the 70's, she was an antique dealer. This is my only piece of german militaria. I collect Finnish military rifles. I'm wondering if this piece is real, not a repro or faked item. It's missing the back (zinc?) square. Not sure what level (gold, silver or bronze) as it seems the finish has worn off. Also wondering the kind of value something like this might be worth in it's current condition. Thanks for looking.

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello & welcome to the forum,

Looks like an original Close Combat Clasp in bronze by Friedrich Linden of Lüdenscheid. As you say, the finish is gone as is the backing plate. But the finish on the pin & catch (which holds up well compared to the clasp itself) tells you that this was indeed a bronze clasp.

Best regards,
Tom

[crudos]

Thanks for the confirmation that it is original. I've had it for years, but mostly it sat in boxes. Going to build a little display case for it. I don't think it ever had the back plate since it's been in my possession. Still a neat piece, imo.

[Thomas Durante]

Hi guys,

I agree, its an original FLL clasp, but it looks to be the silver class IMO. The pin and catch are made of tombak, and we are seeing the base metal, not the finish IMO. Also, I think I see traces of the thin silver wash finish on the solder near the catch, and also in a few small areas of the obverse and reverse. Not much, but definately looks like silver to me.

Tom

[crudos]

Is it normal for this type of award for the finish to be wore so completely? Or maybe wartime expediency that the process of plating it was not meant to last beyond a year or two under normal wear and tear?