Burma 1885-7 Clasp – Original

Manufactured in silver, this original “Burma 1885–7” clasp was awarded to officers and men of the British Army, Indian Army, and associated forces who took part in the operations following the annexation of Upper Burma during the Third Anglo-Burmese War. The clasp was attached to the ribbon of the India General Service Medal (1854), identifying participation in one of the major late Victorian campaigns of the British Empire.

The campaign began in November 1885 when British forces advanced into Upper Burma following disputes with King Thibaw Min and the Burmese government. The British expedition quickly occupied Mandalay, leading to the removal of the Burmese monarchy and the incorporation of Upper Burma into British India in 1886.

Although the initial conquest was rapid, resistance continued throughout the country, requiring extensive military operations against Burmese forces and local insurgents. British and Indian troops conducted numerous expeditions through difficult jungle, river, and mountainous terrain, facing challenging conditions including tropical climate, disease, and determined opposition. The clasp therefore represents not only the initial annexation but also the prolonged military efforts required to secure British control of the region.

The Burma 1885–7 clasp was issued to a wide range of units, including British infantry regiments, Indian Army battalions, cavalry, artillery, engineers, and supporting services. It remains one of the more recognisable clasps of the India General Service Medal (1854) series and is highly regarded by collectors of Victorian campaign medals and British imperial history.

Original clasps from the India General Service Medal (1854) are particularly desirable as individual collecting items, medal restoration components, and examples of British military involvement across the nineteenth-century empire.

Manufactured in silver and retaining its original construction, this example represents an authentic and collectable piece of Victorian campaign medal history.

Dimensions

Approx. 36mm × 13mm

Condition

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