Rare Irish cap badges info required

[Linfield2004]

Hi,
I would really appreciate it if some one could give me an insight into how scarce the 2 badges listed below are or if they “ Holy Grail” items, from my limited knowledge & research they appear to be rare items & as I’m interested in Irish WW1 cap badges they seem to be rare.

1. WW1 South Africa Irish

A simple brass shamrock badge with the above initials embossed

2. WW1 USA 69th Infantry cap badge from the “Fighting Irish” located in New York City

Any info on these 2 items would be great.

Regards

Robert

[cbuehler]

Hi Robert,
The 69th Infantry Regt. (later 165th) did not have a "cap badge" per se, as with all US regiments. What was used in lieu of a cap badge was a DUI (distinctive unit insignia), a small heraldic pin, which was only worn on the Garrison cap and lower lapels of the enlisted men's coats and shoulder straps of officer coats.
This is an article which also shows the DUI of this regiment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/69th_I...ment_(New_York) click on the upper part.
CB

PS, despite my teutonic name, my mother was of "Shanty Irish" background from upstate New York, were I was born. I know of this regiment.

[irishhorse]

The brass S.A./IRISH badge. While not a "holy grail" item, are quite rare, but its one of those badges if you want one you will find one.

[Alex Rice]

Hi Linfield
I have sent you a PM.
Cheers,
Alex