Description:

The obverse shows the diademed head of Queen Victoria with the legend ‘VICTORIA REGINA’.  The reverse has the same coat of Royal Arms and shield found on both the First and Second China War medals with the inscription ‘ARMIS EXPOSCERE PACIM’ and the word ‘CHINA’ in the exergue below.  The suspender is the same as that for the Indian Mutiny Medal.

Clasps:

‘China 1842’, ‘Fatshan 1857’, ‘Canton 1857’, ‘Taku Forts 1858’, ‘Taku Forts 1860’ and ‘Pekin 1860’. 

Ribbon:

It is said that the original ribbon was 1.25” wide and of five equally spaced multi-coloured stripes.  I have not personally seen this ribbon but the medal should have a crimson ribbon with yellow edges as per the First China War Medal but narrower at the usual 1.25”.

Naming:

Naming occurs in indented Roman capitals for both the army and marines and the navy usually had unnamed specimens. 

Notes:

The ‘China 1842’ clasp was intended for those who had received the First China War Medal 1842.  Only one cavalry regiment saw action in this conflict and the collector should consider those issued to 1^st Dragoon Guards both rare and highly collectable.

Information courtesy of:

 http://www.britishmilitarymedals.co.uk/ and/or http://www.derdienst.com/