Niger 1897 clasp face – a contemporary tailor’s copy, period-made replacement face plate for the East and West Africa Medal 1887–1900 campaign clasp.
This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the front face of the “Niger 1897” clasp issued with the East and West Africa Medal 1887–1900. 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 clasp components, or completion of privately mounted medal groups. Today, they are recognised by collectors as historic artefacts in their own right, reflecting late Victorian military tailoring and medal mounting practices.
The original Niger 1897 clasp was awarded to officers and men of the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and locally raised colonial forces who took part in operations in the Niger River region during 1897. The clasp commemorates military activity undertaken by British forces during a period of increasing colonial administration and expansion in West Africa.
Operations along the Niger River involved the use of naval detachments, locally recruited African troops, and British officers operating in challenging tropical environments. Forces were employed to protect British interests, maintain communications, secure trading routes, and support the authority of the Royal Niger Company and later British colonial administration in the region.
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 Niger 1897 clasp is an important West African clasp issued with the East and West Africa Medal 1887–1900, appealing to collectors of British colonial campaigns, West African military history, and Victorian Empire awards. 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 East and West Africa Medal 1887–1900 components, British campaign medal restorations, or Victorian military memorabilia.
Dimensions
Approx. 36mm × 6.5mm
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.
