Khedive's Star

Instituted:1882.

Qualification:Originally awarded to all those who took part in the 1882 Egypt campaign, qualification was later extended to include later Egyptian campaigns up until 1889.

Description:There were four issues of this star. The undated version, (shown above with Tokar clasp), was awarded to troops who did not qualify for the Queen’s medal. There were also three dated versions. Below is the Star bearing the date 1882.

Below this, the 1884 version:

and finally the version bearing the date 1884-6:

The medal, a five-pointed star, was made of bronze: 60mm high and 45mm wide. The obverse depicts a raised circle with the image of the Sphinx in the foreground and three pyramids behind. The word ‘EGYPT’ is written above  followed by a year (or no date).  The reverse carries a monogram of the Khedive under a crown within a raised circle.

Straight suspender with a crescent and five pointed star in the centre. The suspender attaches to the star by means of a small metal loop.

Ribbon:Dark blue.

Naming:
Generally issued unnamed although some stars have the name of the regiment stamped in full or abbreviated form on the reverse.

Clasps:
One clasp: TOKAR 1308 was awarded to those who had fought at the battle of Tokar in 1891 (1308 being the Arabic date) but had already received a previous star.

Other:
All recipients of the Egypt Medal (1882-1889) qualified for the Khedive's Star.

Acknowledgements:
The images are all courtesy of Spink and Son.  British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.