Suakin 1885 Clasp – Original

An original “Suakin 1885” clasp issued with the Egypt Medal 1882–1889, awarded to officers and men of the British Army, Indian Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and supporting colonial forces who took part in operations around Suakin on the Red Sea coast of Sudan during 1885.

The Suakin 1885 clasp commemorates British military operations undertaken during the wider Mahdist War, following the defeat of General Gordon’s forces at Khartoum in January 1885. A British expedition was sent to Suakin to secure the important Red Sea port, protect communications, and support operations against Mahdist forces threatening British and Egyptian interests in the Sudan.

The campaign included several significant engagements, including the Battle of Tofrek on 22 March 1885, where British and Indian troops forming part of General Sir Gerald Graham’s Suakin Field Force were attacked by Mahdist forces while constructing a fortified position. Despite fierce fighting and heavy casualties, the British and Indian troops successfully held their position. Further operations around Suakin helped secure the area and demonstrated the effectiveness of combined British and Indian Army forces operating in difficult desert conditions.

The Suakin 1885 clasp remains a desirable and historically important clasp associated with the Egypt Medal, reflecting Britain’s continued involvement in Sudanese affairs during the late Victorian period. Examples awarded to British and Indian Army recipients are highly sought after by collectors of Victorian campaign medals, Sudan campaigns, and British Empire military history.

This original clasp represents an authentic issued component and would make an excellent addition to an incomplete Egypt Medal, a clasp reference collection, or a specialist collection of Victorian campaign medal components.

Dimensions

Approx. 36mm × 12mm

Condition

Good overall condition; however, it has been previously converted to a brooch. An attractive original example of this important Sudan campaign clasp, suitable for restoration, display, or specialist collecting.