Burma 1887-9 Clasp Face – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

Burma 1887–9 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 front face of the “Burma 1887–9” 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 1887–9 clasp was awarded to officers and men of the British Army, Indian Army, and supporting forces who served in the continuing operations to pacify Upper Burma between 1887 and 1889. Following the annexation of the Burmese Kingdom after the Third Anglo-Burmese War, British and Indian troops were engaged in prolonged operations against organised resistance, dacoit bands, and local insurgents opposing British rule.

Campaigning was conducted in some of the most demanding conditions faced by Victorian soldiers, with military columns operating through dense jungle, mountainous country, and extensive river systems. Infantry, mounted troops, engineers, artillery, and river flotillas worked together to establish military posts, secure lines of communication, and suppress resistance across the newly annexed territory. These operations ultimately consolidated British control over Upper Burma and completed its incorporation into British India.

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 1887–9 clasp is one of the principal campaign bars 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 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 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.