Wepener Clasp – Original

Manufactured in silver, this original “Wepener” clasp was awarded to officers and men of British, colonial, and allied forces who took part in the defence of Jammersberg Drift near Wepener, Orange Free State, between 9 and 25 April 1900. The clasp was fitted to the ribbon of the Queen’s South Africa Medal, recognising participation in one of the notable defensive actions of the early stages of the Second Boer War.

The action at Wepener formed part of the Boer counter-offensive following the British advance into the Orange Free State. A small garrison of colonial troops, principally from units including the Cape Mounted Rifles and other local forces, occupied defensive positions at Jammersberg Drift and was surrounded by a much larger Boer force under General Christiaan de Wet.

Under the command of Colonel Charles George Louis Gordon, the defenders resisted repeated Boer attacks for over two weeks while awaiting relief. The siege became one of the most notable examples of colonial troops holding an isolated position under difficult conditions, with the garrison eventually relieved by advancing British forces on 25 April 1900.

The Wepener clasp is one of the more distinctive and desirable clasps issued with the Queen’s South Africa Medal. Unlike the numerous general battle and service clasps, Wepener commemorates a specific siege action and is particularly sought after by collectors of Boer War medals, colonial military history, and British Empire campaign awards.

Original Queen’s South Africa Medal clasps are highly collectable, both as individual items for restoration projects and as examples of the detailed recording of service during the South African War. The Wepener clasp remains especially desirable due to its association with a small but significant episode of resistance during the conflict.

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

Dimensions

Approx. 36mm × 11mm

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 Queen’s South Africa Medal campaign clasp.