Jowaki 1877-8 Clasp Face – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

Jowaki 1877-8 clasp face – a contemporary tailor’s copy, period-made replacement face plate for the India General Service Medal (1854) campaign clasp.

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the front face of the “Jowaki 1877-8” clasp issued with the India General Service Medal (1854). Unlike modern reproductions, these period-made tailor’s copies were manufactured during or shortly after the Victorian period by military outfitters for wear on uniforms, replacement of damaged clasps, or completion of privately mounted medal groups. Today, they are recognised by collectors as historic artefacts in their own right, reflecting nineteenth-century military tailoring and medal mounting practices.

The original Jowaki 1877-8 clasp was awarded to officers and men of the British Army and Indian Army who took part in the Jowaki Expedition of 1877-1878, conducted against the Jowaki Afridis in the North West Frontier of India. The campaign formed part of Britain’s continuing efforts to maintain control over the turbulent frontier regions bordering Afghanistan.

The expedition was launched following raids and unrest involving Jowaki Afridi tribesmen, with British and Indian forces advancing into the difficult mountainous terrain of the Kohat region. Operations involved infantry, cavalry, and supporting units conducting patrols, blockades, and punitive measures under challenging conditions. The campaign demonstrated the difficulties of frontier warfare, where rugged terrain, limited communications, and tribal resistance presented constant challenges to British forces.

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. They are particularly sought after by collectors undertaking sympathetic restoration of original campaign medals or assembling specialist collections of Victorian medal components.

The Jowaki 1877-8 clasp is an important North West Frontier clasp issued with the India General Service Medal (1854) and remains highly desirable among collectors of Victorian campaign medals, British Indian Army history, and frontier warfare memorabilia. Contemporary tailor’s copy clasp faces provide an excellent insight into period military outfitting and are increasingly appreciated for their historical authenticity.

This example would make an excellent addition to a collection of India General Service Medal (1854) components, British campaign medal restorations, or Victorian military memorabilia.

Dimensions

Approx. 36mm × 12mm

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.