Medals Database > By Country > Great Britain (19th Century Campaign Medals)

The India General Service Medal (1854)

Average Price:

£50 to £200
($60 to $260)

(The cost varies based on the medal’s historical significance, the recipient’s background, and the condition of the medal)

Time Period: Pre-WW1
Year of Institution: 11 March 1854
Country: Great Britain

The India General Service Medal (1854 IGSM) is a campaign medal issued to officers and men of the British and Indian armies for various minor military campaigns in India and nearby countries, between 1852 to 1895. The medal was approved on 1 March 1854.

In 1852 Lord Dalhousie had suggested a general service medal for smaller Indian campaigns, in order to limit the number of individual medals awarded (the Indian Army units made up the majority of forces in nearly all campaigns). The expeditions covered by the medal included few formal battles, most of which were undertaken in difficult terrain against local tribesmen.

A total of 24 clasps were awarded for 23 campaigns. The medal was never issued without a clasp, with the maximum number known to be awarded to one individual being seven.

The India General Service Medal Design

The India General Service Medal measures 1.4 inches (36 mm) in diameter, and was struck at the Royal Mint.

The medal was initially awarded only in silver. From the Burma 1885–87 clasp, medals in bronze were awarded to authorized native followers who accompanied the troops, such as bearers, sweepers and drivers.

The obverse of the medal shows a left facing effigy of Queen Victoria wearing a diadem, with the inscription “VICTORIA REGINA” inscribed around it.

The reverse depicts Victory crowning a seated warrior with a laurel wreath. In the exergue are lotus flowers and leaves.

The medal is suspended by a scrolled bar. The 1.25 inches (32 mm) wide ribbon is divided into five stripes, three red and two dark blue, each 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) wide.

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More Medals from Great Britain

Explore the rich history of British military honors through a captivating display of medals from different periods. Use the images below to learn more about the diverse array of decorations that have adorned the uniforms of British servicemen and women throughout history or use the button at the end to visit the entire UK medals database.