A significant historical military decoration from the Second Anglo-Afghan War, this British Afghanistan Medal commemorates service during the campaigns fought between 1878 and 1880. This example features the sought-after “ALI MUSJID” clasp, associated with British and Indian troops who participated in the opening phase of the conflict at the strategically important Ali Masjid fortress.
Issued under the reign of Queen Victoria, the medal represents a major chapter in British imperial military history. Its campaign inscription and accompanying clasp connect it to the military operations in the rugged frontier regions between British India and Afghanistan.
OBVERSE:
Features the crowned bust of Queen Victoria, representing the British monarch during the conflict. The royal portrait reflects the traditional design of British campaign medals of the Victorian period.
REVERSE:
Depicts a campaign scene associated with the Afghanistan campaign, commemorating the military service recognised by the award.
CLASP:
The “ALI MUSJID” clasp identifies the campaign recognition associated with the capture of Ali Masjid during the opening operations of the Second Anglo-Afghan War in November 1878. The clasp is a significant identifying feature for collectors of Victorian campaign medals.
MEDAL DETAILS:
Country: Great Britain
Monarch: Queen Victoria
Campaign: Second Anglo-Afghan War
Campaign Period: 1878–1880
Medal: Afghanistan Medal
Clasp: ALI MUSJID
Metal: Silver
Presentation: Medal with Ribbon
Category: British Military Campaign Medal
Historical Period: Victorian Era
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
The Second Anglo-Afghan War began in 1878 amid growing strategic tensions between the British Empire and Afghanistan. Ali Masjid, a fortified position guarding the Khyber Pass, was a key objective during the opening British advance. The engagement in November 1878 formed part of the campaign to secure access through this strategically important route.
The Afghanistan Medal was awarded to qualifying personnel who served in the campaign, with clasps identifying particular actions or operations. These clasps provide important historical context for the service recognised by each medal.
NUMISMATIC AND MILITARY SIGNIFICANCE:
Campaign medals are valued for their connection to specific military operations and the individuals who served in them. The “ALI MUSJID” clasp makes this example particularly interesting to collectors specialising in the Second Anglo-Afghan War, Victorian military awards, and British Indian frontier history.
COLLECTOR’S APPEAL:
• British Afghanistan Medal associated with the 1878–1880 campaign
• Features Queen Victoria’s crowned portrait
• Includes the “ALI MUSJID” campaign clasp
• Connected to the strategic operations around the Khyber Pass
• Presented with ribbon
• Appealing to collectors of Victorian military medals and British imperial history
A compelling historical military decoration commemorating service during one of the major frontier campaigns of Queen Victoria’s reign.
