Hazara 1891 Clasp – Original

Hazara 1891 clasp, original example of the campaign bar awarded with the India General Service Medal (1854) for service during the Hazara Expedition of 1891 on the North West Frontier of British India.

Manufactured in silver, this original “Hazara 1891” clasp was awarded to officers and men of the British Army, Indian Army, and associated forces who took part in the Hazara Expedition of 1891. The clasp was fitted to the ribbon of the India General Service Medal (1854), recognising participation in one of the many frontier campaigns undertaken to secure Britain’s north-western frontier during the late Victorian period.

The Hazara Expedition was launched following unrest among the Black Mountain (Kala Dhaka) tribes in the Hazara District of present-day Pakistan. After attacks on British-controlled territory and resistance to imperial authority, a field force was assembled under the command of William Lockhart to restore order and punish those responsible.

British and Indian troops advanced through the rugged and heavily forested Black Mountain region, overcoming difficult terrain, steep mountain passes, and fortified tribal positions. The expedition involved infantry, cavalry, mountain artillery, engineers, and transport units, all operating under demanding conditions typical of warfare on the North West Frontier. Following a series of successful operations, the tribal opposition was dispersed, villages associated with the resistance were destroyed, and British authority was re-established.

The Hazara 1891 clasp is one of the more desirable frontier clasps issued with the India General Service Medal (1854), representing Britain’s continuing military commitment to maintaining security along the volatile frontier between British India and Afghanistan. It remains highly sought after by collectors of Victorian campaign medals, British Indian Army history, and North West Frontier memorabilia.

Original India General Service Medal clasps are particularly prized as individual collecting pieces, restoration components, and examples of the numerous frontier expeditions that characterised British military service in India during the nineteenth century.

Manufactured in silver and retaining its original construction, this example represents an authentic and collectable piece of Victorian campaign medal 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 a desirable India General Service Medal campaign clasp.