Burma 1885-7 Bronze Clasp Face – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

Burma 1885-7 bronze clasp face – a contemporary tailor’s copy, period-made replacement face plate for the India General Service Medal (1854) campaign clasp.

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the bronze front face of the “Burma 1885-7” clasp issued with the India General Service Medal (1854). Unlike modern reproductions, these period-made tailor’s copies were manufactured during or shortly after the Victorian period by military outfitters for wear on uniforms, replacement of damaged clasp components, or completion of privately mounted medal groups. Today, they are recognised by collectors as historic artefacts in their own right, reflecting nineteenth-century military tailoring and medal-mounting practices.

The original Burma 1885-7 clasp was awarded to the Indian Army and supporting forces who served during the Third Anglo-Burmese War and the subsequent operations in Upper Burma between 1885 and 1887. Following the annexation of the Burmese Kingdom and the deposition of King Thibaw, British and Indian troops undertook extensive operations to suppress organised resistance, secure key communications, and establish British administration throughout the newly annexed territory.

Campaigning was carried out under demanding conditions, with military columns operating through dense jungle, mountainous terrain, and extensive river systems. Infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineers, and river transport units worked together to occupy strategic locations, establish military posts, and restore order across Upper Burma, laying the foundations for British rule in the region.

As this example is the bronze clasp face only, it represents the engraved front plate that would originally have been fitted to the clasp body. Original clasp faces are considerably scarcer than complete clasps, having often been separated during repairs, alterations, or restoration work over many decades. Bronze tailor’s copy clasp faces are particularly interesting to collectors, illustrating the methods used by period military outfitters to reproduce official campaign clasps.

The Burma 1885-7 clasp remains one of the principal campaign bars issued with the India General Service Medal (1854) and is highly desirable among collectors of Victorian campaign medals, British Indian Army history, and British Empire militaria. Contemporary bronze tailor’s copy clasp faces provide an excellent insight into period military outfitting and are increasingly appreciated for their historical authenticity.

This example would make an excellent addition to a collection of India General Service Medal (1854) components, British campaign medal restorations, or Victorian military memorabilia.

Dimensions

Approx. 36mm × 12mm

Condition

Good overall period condition, with age-related wear consistent with a contemporary bronze tailor’s copy. Light rubbing, surface marks, and signs of previous fitting may be present. An attractive and increasingly scarce period-made bronze clasp face suitable for restoration, display, or specialist collecting.