Looshai Clasp – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

Looshai 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 Lushai Expedition of 1871–1872.

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the “Looshai” 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 Looshai clasp was authorised for officers and men of the British Army, Indian Army, and supporting forces who took part in the Lushai Expedition of 1871–1872. The campaign was launched following raids by Lushai (now Mizo) tribesmen into British territory, including the kidnapping of European and Indian civilians from tea plantations in the Cachar district of north-east India.

To restore order and recover the captives, two military columns advanced into the remote Lushai Hills from different directions. British and Indian troops faced dense jungle, steep mountainous terrain, difficult river crossings, and limited communications while conducting operations against well-defended tribal villages. The expedition successfully achieved its objectives, leading to the release of captives and the re-establishment of British authority in the region.

The Looshai clasp is one of the earlier and more distinctive clasps issued with the India General Service Medal (1854), commemorating one of the British Army’s most challenging jungle campaigns of the Victorian era. It remains highly regarded by collectors of Victorian campaign medals, British Indian Army history, and British Empire frontier campaigns.

Contemporary tailor’s copies were often produced by military outfitters to closely replicate officially issued clasps for wear on mounted medal groups or displays. Although not officially issued by the Crown, 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 an important Indian 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 × 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.