Burma 1885-7 Clasp – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the “Burma 1885–7” clasp, one of the campaign bars awarded to recipients of the India General Service Medal (1854). Unlike modern reproductions, tailor’s copies were manufactured during or shortly after the Victorian period for wear on uniforms, display, or as privately purchased replacements when original medals were unavailable.

The original Burma 1885–7 clasp was authorised for officers and men of the British and Indian Armies who took part in the operations following the annexation of Upper Burma between 1885 and 1887. The campaign began with the defeat of King Thibaw Min and the annexation of the Kingdom of Burma into British India. Although the initial military campaign was brief, British and Indian forces remained engaged in extensive operations against armed resistance, conducting patrols and expeditions throughout difficult jungle and mountainous terrain.

The Burma 1885–7 clasp is one of the most recognised campaign bars issued for the India General Service Medal (1854), commemorating a significant stage in the expansion of the British Empire in Southeast Asia. It was awarded to a wide range of British Army and Indian Army units that participated in the occupation and pacification of the region.

Contemporary tailor’s copies were often produced to a high standard by military outfitters, closely replicating the appearance of officially issued clasps. While not officially issued by the Crown, these Victorian-period copies remain highly collectable and provide an authentic representation of nineteenth-century military dress and medal mounting practices.

This example represents an attractive period-made copy of a notable Victorian campaign clasp and would make an excellent addition to a collection of British Empire campaign medals, India General Service Medal clasps, or nineteenth-century military memorabilia.

Dimensions

Approx. 37mm × 12mm

Condition

Good overall period condition, with age-related wear consistent with a contemporary tailor’s copy. Minor surface marks, light rubbing, and signs of handling or long-term storage may be present. An attractive and well-preserved example of a Victorian campaign clasp.