Perak Clasp – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

Perak clasp – a contemporary tailor’s copy, period-made example of the campaign clasp awarded with the Straits Settlements Medal for service during the Perak Expedition of 1875–1876.

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the “Perak” clasp, one of the campaign bars awarded to recipients of the Straits Settlements Medal for participation in military operations in the Malay state of Perak during the late Victorian period. Unlike modern reproductions, tailor’s copies were manufactured during or shortly after the 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 Perak clasp was awarded to officers and men of the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and locally raised forces who took part in the expedition following political unrest in Perak in the Malay Peninsula during 1875–1876. The campaign followed the assassination of the British Resident, James W. W. Birch, and the subsequent disturbances that threatened British influence within the region.

British forces, supported by troops from India and locally recruited units, conducted operations against Malay forces and their allies in difficult tropical terrain. The campaign involved riverine movements, jungle operations, and actions against fortified positions, reflecting the challenges faced by British forces operating in Southeast Asia during the expansion of imperial influence.

The Perak clasp is a desirable and less commonly encountered example from the series of British colonial campaign awards associated with the Malay Peninsula. It remains of considerable interest to collectors of Victorian campaign medals, British Empire history, and colonial military operations.

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 notable Far Eastern campaign clasp and would make an excellent addition to a collection of British Empire campaign medals, Straits Settlements awards, 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.