Coomassie Clasp – Original

Coomassie clasp – original campaign clasp for the Ashantee Medal 1873–74.

An original “Coomassie” clasp was issued with the Ashantee Medal 1873–74, awarded to officers and men of the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and supporting colonial forces who took part in the Third Anglo-Ashanti War and the advance to Coomassie (Kumasi) in 1874.

The Coomassie clasp was awarded for service during the final stage of the Ashanti campaign, specifically the expedition into the interior of the Gold Coast (modern Ghana) and the occupation of the Ashanti capital, Coomassie, in February 1874. The British expeditionary force, commanded by Sir Garnet Wolseley, advanced through difficult tropical terrain against the forces of the Ashanti King, Kofi Karikari, following earlier fighting along the coast and the defeat of Ashanti forces at the Battle of Amoaful.

The march to Coomassie was one of the most demanding operations of the Victorian era, requiring troops to overcome dense jungle, extreme heat, disease, and difficult supply conditions. The expedition successfully occupied and destroyed parts of Coomassie before withdrawing to the coast, bringing the campaign to a conclusion and leading to the Treaty of Fomena.

The Coomassie clasp is one of the most recognisable and desirable clasps associated with the Ashantee Medal, commemorating one of Britain’s major West African campaigns of the nineteenth century. Original examples are highly sought after by collectors of Victorian campaign medals, colonial military history, and British Empire awards.

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

Dimensions

Approx. 35mm × 11mm

Condition

Good overall original condition, with age-related wear consistent with an officially issued Victorian campaign clasp. Light rubbing, surface marks, and minor signs of handling may be present. An attractive original example of this important Ashantee campaign clasp, suitable for restoration, display, or specialist collecting.