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

The Punjab Medal

Average Price:

£150 to £400
($190 to $510)

(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: 2 April 1849
Country: Great Britain

The Punjab Medal is a campaign medal approved on 2 April 1849 and issued to officers and men of the British Army and Honourable East India Company who served in the Punjab campaign of 1848-49 (between 7 September 1848 and 14 March 1849), which ended in the British annexation of the Punjab.

Three clasps were authorized, although no medals were awarded with more than two, since no unit qualified for both the Mooltan and Chilianwala clasps.

The clasps were: Multan (7 September 1848 – 22 January 1849), awarded to troops engaged in the siege of Multan. In total, 18,967 of these clasps were awarded, 2,900 to Europeans and 16,067 to Indian troops; Chilianwala, (13 January 1849) awarded to troops under the command of Lord Gough who engaged with the Sikh army of Sher Singh and Lal Singh near Chilianwala. In total, 21,453 of these clasps were awarded, 4,300 to Europeans and 16,153 to Indian troops; and Goojerat (21 February 1849) awarded to troops under the command of Lord Gough who defeated the Sikh army of Sher Singh at Gujarat. In total, 32,960 of these clasps were awarded, 6,200 to Europeans and 26,760 to Indian troops.

The Punjab Medal Design

The Punjab medal is a circular silver medal measuring 36 millimeters (1.4 in) in diameter and designed by William Wyon.

The obverse shows the diademed head of Queen Victoria with the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts a scene showing Sir Walter Gilbert receiving the Sikh surrender with the legend TO THE ARMY OF THE PUNJAB above, and below MDCCCXLIX, the year 1849 in Roman numerals.

The ribbon measures 31.7 millimeters (1.25 in) wide and is dark blue with a yellow stripe towards each edge.

More British 19th Century Campaign Medals

The Ashanti Star

The Ashanti Star was a British medal awarded to members of the expedition against the Ashanti King Prempeh, in the Fourth Anglo-Ashanti War.

The China War Medal (1842)

The China War Medal is a military medal awarded to members of the British and Indian forces who took part in the First Anglo-Chinese War.

The Canada General Service Medal

The Canada General Service Medal is a campaign medal awarded to both Imperial and Canadian forces for duties related to the Fenian raids.

The British South Africa Company’s Medal

The British South Africa Company Medal was sanctioned by Queen Victoria to troops who had been engaged in the First Matabele War.

The Army Gold Medal

The Army Gold Medal is a British campaign medal awarded to field and general officers in recognition of successful commands in campaigns.

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.