Jowaki 1877-8 Clasp – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

Jowaki 1877–8 clasp – a contemporary tailor’s copy, period-made example of the campaign clasp awarded with the India General Service Medal (1854) for service during the Jowaki Expedition on the North West Frontier of India.

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the “Jowaki 1877–8” 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 or clasps were unavailable. These period-made examples are recognised by collectors as historic artefacts, reflecting nineteenth-century military outfitting and medal-wearing practices.

The original Jowaki 1877–8 clasp was authorised for officers and men of the British Army and Indian Army who took part in the Jowaki Expedition of 1877–1878 on the North West Frontier of British India. The campaign was undertaken against the Jowaki Afridis, a Pashtun tribal group occupying the difficult mountainous region around the Jowaki Valley and Kohat Pass.

The expedition formed part of Britain’s continuing efforts to secure communications and maintain control along the volatile North West Frontier. British and Indian forces operated through rugged terrain, facing fortified positions, harsh winter conditions, and determined tribal resistance. The campaign involved infantry, cavalry, artillery, and supporting services, demonstrating the challenges of frontier warfare during the Victorian era.

The Jowaki 1877–8 clasp is one of the more notable early frontier clasps from the India General Service Medal (1854) series. It remains highly regarded by collectors due to its association with the long history of British military operations on the North West Frontier and the important role played by Indian Army forces in these campaigns.

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 Victorian-period 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 a significant North West Frontier campaign clasp and would make an excellent addition to a collection of British Empire campaign medals, India General Service Medal clasps, or Victorian military memorabilia.

Dimensions

Approx. 36mm × 16mm

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.