Hafir Clasp – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

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

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the “Hafir” clasp, one of the campaign bars awarded to recipients of the Khedive Sudan Medal for participation in operations during the Anglo-Egyptian advance into the Sudan. 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 Hafir clasp was authorised for officers and men of the British Army, Egyptian Army, and associated forces who took part in operations around Hafir during the Dongola Expedition of 1896. The campaign formed part of the wider Anglo-Egyptian effort to reconquer the Sudan following the establishment of the Mahdist state after the fall of Khartoum in 1885.

Under the command of Herbert Kitchener, the Anglo-Egyptian Army advanced southwards along the Nile, using the river as the main supply route for the campaign. The operations around Hafir helped secure a strategically important position and enabled further advances towards Dongola. The campaign demonstrated the effectiveness of the reorganised Egyptian Army and the importance of logistics, railways, and river transport in modern imperial warfare.

The Hafir clasp is one of the scarcer clasps associated with the Khedive Sudan Medal series and remains highly regarded by collectors of Victorian campaign medals, Sudan campaign history, and British Empire militaria. Its association with the early stages of Kitchener’s reconquest of the Sudan makes it a desirable addition to specialist collections.

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 Crown-issued, these period examples are increasingly appreciated for their historical authenticity and their association with Victorian military dress traditions.

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

Dimensions

Approx. 42mm × 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.