Pegu Clasp – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

Pegu 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 Second Anglo-Burmese War of 1852–1853.

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the “Pegu” 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 Pegu clasp was authorised for officers and men of the British Army, Royal Navy, and forces of the East India Company who participated in operations during the Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852–1853). The campaign began following disputes between British authorities and the Burmese Kingdom, leading to military operations aimed at securing British commercial and strategic interests in Lower Burma.

British and Indian forces captured key coastal and river ports, including the important province of Pegu (modern Bago), after which the region was annexed by the British. The campaign involved amphibious operations, river movements, and fighting in difficult tropical conditions, with troops facing dense jungle, disease, and determined Burmese resistance.

The Pegu clasp is one of the earliest and most historically significant clasps associated with the India General Service Medal (1854) series. It represents Britain’s expanding military presence in Southeast Asia during the mid-nineteenth century and is of considerable interest to collectors of Victorian campaign medals, British Indian Army history, and early imperial conflicts.

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 an important Burmese 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 × 13mm

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.