Inkermann Clasp Face – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

Inkermann clasp face – a contemporary tailor’s copy, period-made replacement face plate for the Crimea Medal 1854–1856 campaign clasp.

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the front face of the “Inkermann” clasp issued with the Crimea Medal 1854–1856. Unlike modern reproductions, these period-made tailor’s copies were manufactured during or shortly after the Victorian period by military outfitters and medal specialists for wear on privately mounted medal groups, replacement of damaged clasp components, or completion of original medals where official parts were unavailable. These examples are increasingly appreciated by collectors for their connection to Victorian medal mounting and collecting traditions.

The original Inkermann clasp was awarded to officers and men of the British Army who took part in the Battle of Inkermann on 5 November 1854, one of the major engagements of the Crimean War. The battle was fought between Allied British and French forces and a much larger Russian army attempting to break the Allied siege lines around Sevastopol.

Often described as the “Soldiers’ Battle”, Inkermann was fought in dense fog and difficult terrain, with small groups of British troops resisting repeated Russian attacks at close quarters. British infantry, supported by French reinforcements, successfully held their positions despite being heavily outnumbered. The victory secured the Allied siege operations and became one of the most celebrated actions of the Crimean War.

The Inkermann clasp is one of the most iconic and desirable clasps issued with the Crimea Medal, commemorating a fiercely contested Victorian battle and appealing strongly to collectors of Crimean War medals, British military history, and nineteenth-century campaign awards.

As this example is the clasp face only, it represents the engraved front plate that would originally have been fitted to the clasp body. Original clasp faces are considerably scarcer than complete clasps, having often been separated during repairs, alterations, or restoration work over many decades. Contemporary tailor’s copy clasp faces such as this are valued for their historical association and usefulness in restoration or specialist study.

This example would make an excellent addition to a collection of Crimea Medal components, Victorian campaign medal restorations, or British military memorabilia.

Dimensions

Approx. 34mm × 14mm

Condition

Good overall period condition, with age-related wear consistent with a contemporary tailor’s copy. Light rubbing, surface marks, and signs of previous fitting may be present. An attractive and increasingly scarce period-made clasp face suitable for restoration, display, or specialist collecting.