This is a silver “Second China War Medal,” issued in AD 1861 by the British government to recognise the service of members of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Indian colonial forces who participated in the Second Opium War between AD 1857 and AD 1860.
The overall design of this medal closely follows the style of the AD 1843 China War Medal, originally crafted by William Wyon, the chief engraver of the Royal Mint. The obverse features a left-facing bust of Queen Victoria in her youth, representing the monarch during the early years of her reign. Below the queen’s shoulder is a faintly inscribed signature—the name “William Wyon RA”, acknowledging the original engraver.
The reverse of the medal depicts a palm tree, beneath which lie the shield of the British royal coat of arms, along with cannons and various military equipment. Encircling the top edge is the Latin inscription “ARMIS EXPOSCERE PACEM” (To seek peace through force). At the bottom, the word “CHINA” is inscribed. Unlike the AD 1843 version of the China War Medal, this version of the Second China War Medal omits the engraved year at the bottom.
The upper edge of the medal features a swivel scroll suspension in the shape of wings, a design choice that differentiates it from the bar suspension used in the AD 1843 version. The medal is attached to a ribbon with a red background and yellow stripes, designed for recipients to wear on the chest. Two clasps are affixed to the ribbon, inscribed with “PEKIN 1860” and “TAKU FORTS 1860.”
This medal offers a total of six clasp varieties: “CHINA 1842”, “FATSHAN 1857”, “CANTON 1857”, “TAKU FORTS 1858”, “TAKU FORTS 1860” and “PEKIN 1860.”
The “CHINA 1842” clasp was exclusively awarded to individuals who had already earned the medal for the First China War.
The edge of the medal is engraved with the recipient’s name and regimental number, following the military custom of the time. The inscription reads: “GUNR EDWD ARTHUR, NO 6B. 12TH BDE R.ART.”
Edward Arthur was born in AD 1837 and enlisted in the military in AD 1855. During the Second Opium War, Arthur’s artillery battery provided crucial support for operations at the Taku Forts and in Beijing. After more than two decades of service, Arthur retired from the military in AD 1876.
The Second Opium War originated from the Arrow Incident, in which Qing authorities forcibly boarded a vessel flying the British flag, triggering diplomatic tensions. In response, Britain sought an alliance with France, which was also in conflict with China over the Xilin Missionary Case.
In AD 1858, the Anglo-French coalition forced the Qing government to sign the Treaty of Tianjin, expanding access to additional treaty ports for foreign trade. However, in June AD 1859, tensions escalated when Qing officials detained and mistreated British and French envoys en route to Beijing for the treaty ratification. This provoked a renewed military campaign, culminating in the Anglo-French forces advancing on Beijing and destroying the imperial gardens of the Yuanmingyuan, a symbol of Sino-European cultural fusion.
The war officially ended in AD 1860 with the signing of the Convention of Beijing, which confirmed the terms of the earlier treaty. Additionally, Russia exploited the situation by mediating the peace process and, in return, compelled the Qing Empire to cede territories east of the Ussuri River.
