Kachin Hills 1892-93 Bronze Clasp – Original

Abor 1911–12 bronze clasp, original example of the campaign bar awarded with the India General Service Medal 1908 for service during the Abor Expedition of 1911–1912.

Manufactured in bronze, this original “Abor 1911–12” clasp was awarded to authorised followers and other non-combatant personnel who took part in the Abor Expedition of 1911–1912 on the North-East Frontier of India. The bronze clasp was fitted to the ribbon of the bronze issue of the India General Service Medal 1908, which was awarded to enrolled followers such as porters, transport personnel, guides, and other support staff whose contribution was essential to the success of the expedition.

The Abor Expedition was launched following the killing of British official Noel Williamson and members of his escort by warriors of the Abor (now Adi) tribe in the remote border region of present-day Arunachal Pradesh. In response, the Government of India assembled a substantial force of British and Indian Army units to enter the region, restore British authority, and secure the frontier.

Operations were conducted in some of the most inhospitable terrain encountered by the Indian Army, with troops advancing through dense jungle, steep mountain valleys, and fast-flowing rivers. The expedition relied heavily upon large numbers of locally employed followers and transport personnel, whose efforts ensured the movement of supplies, ammunition, and equipment through terrain where conventional transport was impossible.

The Abor 1911–12 clasp is one of the recognised clasps issued with the India General Service Medal 1908 and is particularly noteworthy in its bronze form, reflecting the important role played by authorised followers alongside British and Indian troops. Bronze medal and clasp combinations are considerably less common than their silver counterparts and are increasingly sought after by collectors of Indian campaign medals and British Empire militaria.

Manufactured in bronze and retaining its original construction, this example represents an authentic and collectable piece of early twentieth-century British Indian military history.

Dimensions

Approx. 36mm × 18mm

Condition

Good overall original condition, with crisp lettering and an attractive age-related bronze patina. Light wear, minor surface marks, and signs of handling consistent with age may be present. An excellent original example of a scarce bronze India General Service Medal 1908 campaign clasp.