Firket Clasp – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

Firket clasp – contemporary tailor’s copy, period-made example of the campaign clasp awarded with the Khedive’s Sudan Medal for service during the Battle of Firket in the Sudan Campaign of 1896.

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the “Firket” clasp, one of the campaign bars awarded to recipients of the Khedive’s Sudan Medal. 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 or clasps were unavailable. These period-made examples are recognised by collectors as historic artefacts, reflecting late Victorian military outfitting and medal-wearing practices.

The original Firket clasp was authorised by the Khedivate of Egypt for officers and men of the Anglo-Egyptian Army who took part in the Battle of Firket on 7 June 1896, during the Mahdist War. The engagement formed part of the opening stages of the Anglo-Egyptian reconquest of the Sudan under the command of Herbert Kitchener.

The Battle of Firket marked the first significant victory of the reconquest campaign. A force commanded by Colonel Archibald Hunter launched a carefully planned dawn assault on a Mahdist encampment near Firket, achieving a decisive victory with comparatively light casualties. The capture of Firket secured an important section of the Nile Valley and enabled the Anglo-Egyptian Army to continue its advance towards Dongola, paving the way for the later victories at Atbara and Omdurman.

The Khedive’s Sudan Medal was awarded by the Egyptian Government for service in the reconquest campaigns and was issued with a series of clasps denoting individual battles and operations. The Firket clasp is among the earliest and most desirable clasps in the series, making it highly sought after by collectors of Victorian campaign medals, Sudan campaign history, and British Empire militaria.

Contemporary tailor’s copies were often produced by military outfitters to closely replicate officially issued clasps for wear on mounted medal groups or display. Although not officially issued by the Egyptian Government, these period-made copies are increasingly appreciated for their historical authenticity and their association with nineteenth-century military dress traditions.

This example represents an attractive period-made copy of an important Sudan campaign clasp and would make an excellent addition to a collection of Khedive’s Sudan Medal clasps, Victorian campaign medals, or British Empire military memorabilia.

Dimensions

Approx. 41mm × 14mm

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 this desirable Sudan campaign clasp.