India General Service Medal (1854)

The India General Service Medal (1854 IGSM) was a campaign medal approved in 1854, for issue to officers and men of the British and Indian armies.

The 1854 IGSM was approved on 1 March 1854. It was awarded for various minor military campaigns in India, during 1852 to 1895. Each battle or action covered by the medal was represented by a clasp on the ribbon; 24 were sanctioned, the maximum awarded to one man is thought to be seven. The medal was never issued without a clasp.

The medal was initially awarded in silver to all ranks, regardless of race or branch of service. However, starting from 1885 (with the Burma 1885–7 bar) both medal and clasp were issued in bronze to native support personnel such as bearers, sweepers, and drivers.

Appearance
The medal is silver, 1.4 inches in diameter, and was struck at the Royal Mint. It was later issued in bronze for camp followers and native civilians. The obverse bears a left facing effigy of Queen Victoria wearing a diadem and veil. Surrounding the head is the inscription VICTORIA REGINA.

The reverse depicts Victory crowning a seated nude warrior. In the exerge of the medal are lotus flowers and leaves.

The medal is suspended by a silver scrolled bar. The medal hangs from a ribbon 1 1/4 inches wide. It is divided into five stripes, three red and two dark blue, 1/4 inch wide.

Clasps
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