Constabulary of Ireland

[natal01]

I recently aquired this rather pretty badge in gilt and silver. Its dimensions are 130mm high and 110mm wide. It has 2 screw fittings so it could be a cross-belt badge and I guess that the Guelphic crown probably makes it Victorian period. Can anyone throw some more light on its origins ?

[John Mulcahy]

The title "Constabulary of Ireland" dates the item to somewhere between 1836 (date of formation under this title) to 1867 (date at which "Royal Irish Constabulary" was taken into use).

There is at least one RIC collector on the forum who may be able to comment on the originality and purpose of this badge, it is not my area of interest thus I am afraid that I can't.

John

[natal01]

Thanks, John.
Rather older than I imagined. I got the dimensions wrong. It is actually 51mm X 44mm.
Mike

[PeterMc]

A beautiful badge Mike and you're very lucky to get it. Constabulary Of Ireland worn circa 1860-70 on officers full dress uniform. There were two sizes, with the smaller size being the pouch badge and the larger the cross belt badge. Probably hand made and to a very high quality, with the centre harp being silver (sometimes hall marked). The screwed posts would once have included captive nuts. Don't try to remove the pin as it may snap, or break a lug.
The sizes you quoted are puzzling, attached is my own being 63mm high and 52mm across. Yours is also a slightly different variation, being more voided around the shamrocks.

[natal01]

Thanks for the info, Peter. I won't be fiddling with the pin to see if it has a hallmark, tempted as I am to find out exactly when it was manufactured. Clearly the badge was made to a very high standard as the two square fastening nuts have metal loops fixed so that the loops ensure that the fastening screws are protected and cannot dig into anything ( I guess that is why they are there) I have never seen this before and it speaks of a lot of care by the manufacturer. Its a great pity that modern badges aren't as well made or attractive.
Mike

[PeterMc]

Officers uniform appointments of the Constabulary of Ireland (1836-1867). Pictured below are a Cross Belt and Pouch Badge, together with extracts from the original pattern book. This style of badge was discontinued following the granting of the prefix 'Royal' to the Irish Constabulary, when they were replaced by different styles of badges.

Cross Belt Badge (left) and Pouch Badge (right)



Detail of the Cross Belt Badge



Detail of the Pouch Badge



Pattern book extract



Hope this is of some interest.
Peter

[PeterMc]

The above badges shown in their original positions

On the Cross Belt



On the Pouch



Peter