Umbeyla Clasp – Contemporary Tailor’s Copy

Umbeyla clasp – contemporary tailor’s copy, period-made example of the campaign clasp awarded with the India General Service Medal (1854) for service during the Umbeyla Campaign of 1863.

This contemporary tailor’s copy faithfully reproduces the “Umbeyla” clasp, one of the campaign bars awarded to recipients of the India General Service Medal (1854). Unlike modern reproductions, tailor’s copies were manufactured during or shortly after the Victorian period for wear on uniforms, display, or as privately purchased replacements when original medals or clasps were unavailable. These period-made copies are recognised by collectors as historic artefacts in their own right, reflecting the practices of nineteenth-century military outfitters.

The original Umbeyla clasp was authorised for officers and men of the British and Indian armies who took part in the Umbeyla Campaign of 1863 on the North-West Frontier of British India. The expedition was mounted against hostile Pashtun tribes occupying the mountainous Umbeyla Pass in present-day Pakistan, following attacks that threatened British influence and security along the frontier.

Operations were conducted under the command of Neville Bowles Chamberlain and involved some of the most arduous mountain fighting undertaken by the Victorian Army. British and Indian troops faced steep terrain, fortified tribal positions, and determined resistance during a series of engagements, including the fierce fighting at the Crag Piquet. Despite difficult conditions and heavy casualties, the expedition ultimately achieved its objectives, restoring British control in the region.

The Umbeyla clasp is one of the earlier campaign bars awarded with the India General Service Medal (1854) and represents an important chapter in Britain’s long-running frontier campaigns. It remains a desirable clasp among collectors of Victorian campaign medals and British Indian Army memorabilia.

Contemporary tailor’s copies were often produced to a high standard by military outfitters, closely replicating the appearance of officially issued clasps. While not officially issued by the Crown, these Victorian-period copies are increasingly appreciated for their historical authenticity and association with period military dress and medal-mounting practices.

This example represents an attractive period-made copy of a notable Victorian campaign clasp and would make an excellent addition to a collection of British Empire campaign medals, India General Service Medal clasps, or nineteenth-century military memorabilia.

Dimensions

Approx. 36mm × 12mm

Condition

Good overall period condition, with age-related wear consistent with a contemporary tailor’s copy. Minor surface marks, light rubbing, and signs of handling or long-term storage may be present. An attractive and well-preserved example of a Victorian campaign clasp.