Sikkim 1888 Clasp Face – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

Sikkim 1888 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 “Sikkim 1888” 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 as historic artefacts in their own right, reflecting nineteenth-century military tailoring and medal-mounting practices.

The original Sikkim 1888 clasp was awarded to officers and men of the British Army and Indian Army who took part in the Sikkim Expedition of 1888. The campaign was fought in the Himalayan region following the occupation of British-protected Sikkim territory by Tibetan forces, prompting a military expedition to restore British authority and secure the frontier.

Under the command of Major-General Thomas Graham, British and Indian troops advanced through difficult mountainous terrain, overcoming well-defended Tibetan positions, including the action at Jelep La. The successful campaign forced the withdrawal of Tibetan forces and reaffirmed British influence in Sikkim, ultimately leading to the formal demarcation of the frontier between British India and Tibet.

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 Sikkim 1888 clasp is one of the more distinctive campaign bars issued with the India General Service Medal (1854), commemorating one of Britain’s important frontier campaigns in the Himalayas. 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 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.