SMGQ-0295 Close Combat Clasp by F.L.L.

This is a super attractive clasp as all the bronze finish is remaining in the lower areas and the worn areas highlighted by a lighter zinc alloy. No back plate on this one. It looks like a 2nd pattern FLL.

The hardware is an interesting study here. The hardware is correct, but the soldering is sloppy. The work is original, as you can see the original finish has been applied to the sloppy solder job. In this situation you would have to imagine someone who was being trained did this job or, someone more experienced trying to fix another persons goof. During the end of the war with materials and labor in short supply, it’s not hard to imagine a job like this getting pushed along just to fill orders. This could also be a crimped version that had an issue during the crimping process and had to be mended, and this was the best that could be done without destroying the piece. You would have to dissect T. Durante’s book on CCPs to learn more.