1879 Clasp – Original for the South Africa Medal

1879 clasp, original example of the campaign bar awarded with the South Africa Medal 1877–1879 for service during the campaigns of 1879, most notably the Anglo-Zulu War.

Manufactured in silver, this original “1879” clasp was awarded to officers and men of the British Army, Royal Navy, colonial forces, and locally raised units who served in qualifying operations during 1879. The clasp was fitted to the ribbon of the South Africa Medal 1877–1879, recognising participation in one of the most famous and hard-fought campaigns of the Victorian era.

The 1879 clasp is principally associated with the Anglo-Zulu War, fought between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom under King Cetshwayo kaMpande. The campaign produced some of the most celebrated engagements in British military history, including the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana, the heroic defence of Rorke’s Drift, the Battle of Kambula, the relief of Eshowe, and the decisive Battle of Ulundi, which effectively ended organised Zulu resistance.

Awarded to a wide variety of British regular regiments, colonial mounted units, artillery, engineers, naval brigades, and support services, the 1879 clasp represents service in a campaign that profoundly influenced British military doctrine and remains one of the most extensively studied conflicts of the nineteenth century.

The South Africa Medal 1877–1879 was issued with several clasps to denote participation in specific campaigns or years of service. The 1879 clasp is the best-known and most iconic of the series, making it highly desirable among collectors of Victorian campaign medals, Anglo-Zulu War memorabilia, and British Empire militaria.

Original South Africa Medal clasps are particularly sought after as individual collecting pieces, for medal restoration projects, and as authentic examples of Britain’s colonial military history. The 1879 clasp remains one of the most recognisable campaign clasps issued during Queen Victoria’s reign.

Manufactured in silver and retaining its original construction, this example represents an authentic and highly collectable piece of Victorian military history.

Dimensions

Approx. 36mm × 12mm

Condition

Good overall original condition, with crisp lettering and an attractive age-related silver patina. Light wear, minor surface marks, and signs of handling consistent with age may be present. An excellent original example of one of the most desirable South Africa Medal campaign clasps.