Naga 1879-80 Clasp – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the “Naga 1879–80” clasp, one of the campaign bars awarded to recipients of the India General Service Medal (1854). Unlike modern reproductions, tailor’s copies were manufactured during or shortly after the Victorian period for wear on uniforms, display, or as privately purchased replacements when original medals or clasps were unavailable. These period-made examples are recognised by collectors as historic artefacts, reflecting nineteenth-century military outfitting and medal-wearing practices.

The original Naga 1879–80 clasp was authorised for officers and men of the British Army and Indian Army who took part in the Naga Hills Expedition of 1879–1880. The campaign was launched following the attack on the British post at Khonoma in October 1879, during which several British officers and soldiers were killed. In response, a substantial military force was assembled to restore British authority in the Naga Hills of present-day Nagaland, India.

The expedition involved difficult operations through densely forested mountains and steep terrain against determined resistance from the Angami Naga tribes. British and Indian troops, supported by mountain artillery, engineers, and transport units, undertook prolonged operations against strongly defended villages, including the siege and eventual capture of Khonoma, one of the principal centres of resistance. The campaign demonstrated the logistical challenges of frontier warfare in remote hill country and ultimately secured British control over the region.

The Naga 1879–80 clasp is one of the more distinctive frontier clasps issued with the India General Service Medal (1854). It remains highly regarded by collectors of Victorian campaign medals, British Indian Army history, and North East Indian military operations due to its association with one of the most determined tribal campaigns of the nineteenth century.

Contemporary tailor’s copies were often produced by military outfitters to closely replicate officially issued clasps for wear on mounted medal groups or display. Although not Crown-issued, these Victorian-period copies are increasingly appreciated for their historical authenticity and their association with nineteenth-century military dress traditions.

This example represents an attractive period-made copy of an important Indian frontier campaign clasp and would make an excellent addition to a collection of British Empire campaign medals, India General Service Medal clasps, or Victorian military memorabilia.

Dimensions

Approx. 36mm × 15mm

Condition

Good overall period condition, with age-related wear consistent with a contemporary tailor’s copy. Minor surface marks, light rubbing, and signs of handling or long-term storage may be present. An attractive and well-preserved example of a Victorian campaign clasp.