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

Burma 1885–7 clasp face – 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 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 clasps, or completion of privately mounted medal groups. Today, they are recognised 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 officers and men of the British Army, Indian Army, and supporting forces who took part in operations during the Third Anglo-Burmese War and the subsequent pacification of Upper Burma between 1885 and 1887. Following the annexation of the Burmese Kingdom and the deposition of King Thibaw Min, British and Indian forces undertook prolonged operations to suppress widespread resistance and establish colonial administration throughout the region.

Campaigning in Burma presented considerable challenges, with troops operating through dense jungle, mountainous terrain, and extensive river systems under difficult tropical conditions. Success depended upon the coordinated efforts of infantry, cavalry, engineers, transport personnel, and riverine forces, as British authority was gradually extended across Upper Burma.

As this example is the 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. They are particularly sought after by collectors undertaking sympathetic restoration of original campaign medals or assembling specialist collections of Victorian medal components.

The Burma 1885–7 clasp is one of the principal clasps issued with the India General Service Medal (1854) and remains highly desirable among collectors of Victorian campaign medals, British Indian Army history, and British Empire militaria. Contemporary tailor’s copy clasps face provides an interesting insight into period military outfitting and is increasingly appreciated for its historical authenticity.

This example would make an excellent addition to a collection of India General Service Medal 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 tailor’s copy. Light rubbing, surface marks, and signs of previous fitting may be present. An attractive and increasingly scarce period-made clasp face suitable for restoration, display, or specialist collecting.