N. W. Persia Clasp Face – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy for the General Service Medal (1918)

N. W. Persia clasp face – contemporary tailor’s copy, period-made replacement face plate for the General Service Medal (1918) campaign clasp.

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the front face of the “N. W. Persia” clasp issued with the General Service Medal (1918). Unlike modern reproductions, these period-made tailor’s copies were manufactured during or shortly after the inter-war period by military outfitters for wear on uniforms, replacement of damaged clasp components, or completion of privately mounted medal groups. Today, they are recognised by collectors as historic artefacts in their own right, reflecting early twentieth-century military tailoring and medal mounting practices.

The original N. W. Persia clasp was awarded to officers and men of the British Army and Indian Army who served during operations in North-West Persia between 1920 and 1921. These operations were conducted to protect British strategic interests, maintain security along vital lines of communication, and counter hostile tribal groups and insurgent forces operating in the region during the political instability that followed the First World War.

British and Indian troops operated across difficult mountainous terrain under demanding conditions, carrying out patrols, convoy escorts, and security operations in support of British policy in Persia. The campaign formed part of a wider series of post-war imperial commitments undertaken by British forces throughout the Middle East and Central Asia during the early 1920s.

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 medals or assembling specialist collections of campaign medal components.

The N. W. Persia clasp is one of the more desirable campaign bars issued with the General Service Medal (1918), appealing to collectors of British inter-war campaigns, Indian Army history, and British Empire militaria. 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 General Service Medal (1918) components, British campaign medal restorations, or inter-war military memorabilia.

Dimensions

Approx. 36mm × 5mm

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 period-made clasp face suitable for restoration, display, or specialist collecting.