Issued in 1843 for services in China 1841-1842, this medal bears on the obverse the head of Queen Victoria. On the reverse is a trophy of the Royal Arms, an anchor, cannon, standards, arms etc. in front of a palm tree. In the exergue is "China 1842", and round the rim the legend "ARMS EXPOSCERE PACEM". The suspension bar is a plain one. The ribbon one an half inches wide is deep crimson and old gold. No engagement clasps were issued originally but men who qualifies for the second China Medal were given a clasp "China 1842".
