China Medal 1900 (Boxer Rebellion)

The China Medal 1900 was instituted in 1901 to recognise British and Imperial military personnel who served during the Boxer Rebellion and the subsequent China Expedition of 1900. The medal commemorates one of the most significant international military campaigns of the late Victorian period. The Boxer Rebellion was an anti-foreign uprising in China that culminated in the siege of the international legations in Peking (now Beijing). A multinational force, including troops from Britain, India, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Japan, Russia and the United States, was assembled to relieve the besieged diplomatic community and restore order. The medal was awarded to British and Imperial land and sea forces who served in China between June and December 1900. It could be issued without a clasp or with one or more authorised clasps denoting participation in key actions during the campaign. This high-quality replica faithfully reproduces the original medal and ribbon, making it ideal for collectors, historians, family researchers and display purposes. Faithful replica of the China Medal 1900 Commemorates service during the Boxer Rebellion Full size medal Supplied with correct ribbon Available with or without clasps High-quality die-struck finish Ideal for collectors and historical displays British-made About the Boxer Rebellion The Boxer Rebellion was a violent anti-foreign uprising that took place in China between 1899 and 1901. Foreign diplomats, civilians and military personnel were besieged within the Legation Quarter in Peking for 55 days before an international relief force broke through and lifted the siege. British and Imperial troops played a significant role in the campaign, particularly in the relief of Peking and the wider expeditionary operations conducted throughout northern China. Medal Clasps The China Medal 1900 could be awarded without a clasp or with one or more of the following authorised clasps: Relief of Pekin Awarded to personnel involved in the relief of the besieged international legations in Peking between June and August 1900. Taku Forts Awarded to Royal Naval personnel who participated in the attack on the Taku Forts on 17 June 1900. Defence of Legations Awarded to the small force of soldiers, Royal Marines and civilian volunteers who defended the Legation Quarter during the siege of Peking. Only a limited number were awarded, making it one of the rarest British campaign medal clasps. Medal Design Obverse The obverse bears the veiled and crowned effigy of Queen Victoria with the inscription: VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX Reverse The reverse depicts the Royal Arms surrounded by military trophies and a palm tree with the inscription: ARMIS EXPOSCERE PACEM and the date: CHINA 1900 Ribbon The ribbon consists of a crimson centre with broad yellow edge stripes, a design shared with earlier China War Medals. Frequently Asked Questions What was the China Medal 1900 awarded for? The medal was awarded for service during the Boxer Rebellion and the subsequent China Expedition of 1900. Was the medal issued with clasps? Yes. The medal could be awarded without a clasp or with the authorised clasps Relief of Pekin, Taku Forts and Defence of Legations. Who received the medal? British and Imperial Army, Navy and Marine personnel who served in China during the campaign. Is this an original medal? No. This is a high-quality replica produced for collectors, historians and display purposes.