Taku Forts 1860 Clasp – Original

Manufactured in silver, this original “Taku Forts 1860” clasp was awarded to officers and men of the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and allied French forces who participated in the successful assault on the Taku (Dagu) Forts during the Second Opium War. The clasp was fitted to the ribbon of the China War Medal (1857–1860), recognising those who took part in one of the decisive engagements of the campaign.

The assault on the Taku Forts took place on 21 August 1860 after an earlier British and French attempt to force the defences had been repulsed in 1859. Learning from that setback, Allied forces launched a carefully planned land assault, overcoming the heavily fortified Chinese positions after fierce fighting. The capture of the forts secured control of the mouth of the Peiho River and opened the route to Peking (Beijing), enabling the Allied advance into the Chinese capital.

Following the fall of the Taku Forts, British and French forces occupied Peking, leading to the signing of the Convention of Peking in October 1860. This agreement brought the Second Opium War to an end, confirming the provisions of the Treaties of Tianjin and expanding British and French commercial and diplomatic privileges in China.

The Taku Forts 1860 clasp is one of the principal clasps awarded with the China War Medal and remains highly sought after by collectors of Victorian campaign medals and British Empire militaria. Individual original clasps are particularly desirable for medal restoration projects, specialist collections, and displays illustrating Britain’s military campaigns in the Far East.

Manufactured in silver and retaining its original construction, this example represents an authentic and collectable piece of Victorian military history.

Dimensions

Approx. 38mm × 16mm

Condition

Good overall original condition, with crisp lettering and an attractive age-related silver patina. Light wear, minor surface marks, and signs of handling consistent with age may be present. An excellent original example of a desirable China War Medal campaign clasp.