Irish War of Independence 'Black and Tan' Service Medal (An Bonn Seirbhíse)
Military Decoration / Medal · The Irish Government (Department of Defence), manufactured by various Dublin jewelers including P. Quinn & Co.
Pattern: Emergency Period / War of Independence Service Medal, authorized 1941
Type
Military Decoration / Medal
Maker
The Irish Government (Department of Defence), manufactured by various Dublin jewelers including P. Quinn & Co.
Material
Bronze (Not silver). Though some silver versions exist for rare awards, the standard service medal for the 1917-1921 period is struck in bronze.
Dimensions
Diameter: approximately 35mm. Weight: roughly 25-30 grams including the ribbon.
Description
An iconic piece of Irish militaria, this bronze medal depicts a member of the Old IRA or Irish Volunteers in a resolute stance. It was awarded to those who participated in the struggle for Irish independence between 1917 and 1921. The black ribbon with the tricolor stripe is distinctive and evocative of the period's mourning and national pride.
Key Features
Obverse shows a volunteer with a Lee-Enfield rifle; Reverse features a blank center surrounded by the words 'RE NA SEALTAI' (The Emergency Period) or simply a decorative border depending on the specific variant.
Material & Composition
Bronze (Not silver). Though some silver versions exist for rare awards, the standard service medal for the 1917-1921 period is struck in bronze.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck bronze with a patinated finish. The obverse features a soldier of the Irish Volunteers in typical 1921 gear with a rifle and trench coat, standing against a map of Ireland.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically lacks precious metal hallmarks as it is bronze. Some may have a small maker's mark on the rim or the name of the recipient engraved on the reverse/rim, though many were issued unnamed.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a metal hub to create high-relief detail; suspended by a circular ring through a soldered lug at the top of the medal.
Functional Features
Ribbon suspension bar; typically includes a vertical pin on the reverse of the ribbon for attachment to a tunic.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Medal suspension). The silk moiré ribbon features a central vertical stripe of Green, White, and Orange (the Irish Tricolor) on a black background.
Craftsmanship Details
Professional government-standard die-striking. Despite the wear, the muscularity of the soldier's form and the topography of the map of Ireland behind him indicate high-quality original tooling.
Authentication Indicators
The heavy, naturally occurring 'chocolate' patina on the bronze suggests age. The suspension lug is consistent with Irish government issue medals of the 1940s.
Origin & Manufacturing
Ireland, Dublin; manufactured under government contract following strict design specifications approved by the Taoiseach.
Era & Period
Emergency Period (1939-1946); specifically issued in 1941 to commemorate services rendered during the War of Independence (1917-1921).
Age Estimate
Circa 1941-1950. While the events occurred earlier, the medals were authorized and distributed starting in January 1941.
Cultural Significance
A sacred object in Irish families, representing the founding of the modern Irish state. It is a tangible link to the 'Old IRA' and the guerrilla warfare of the early 20th century.
Condition Notes
The item shows significant wear and smoothing of details (Grade: Fair to Good). The ribbon is a modern replacement or late-issue, as it appears relatively clean compared to the heavy oxidation and pitting on the bronze medal surface.
Value Estimate
Unissued/Excellent: $300-$500 USD; As shown (worn/pitted): $150-$250 USD. Prices are higher if the medal is officially engraved with a known soldier's name.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish with silver cleaners as this is bronze. Keep in a dry, UV-protected environment to prevent the ribbon from fading and the bronze from developing 'bronze disease' (green powdery corrosion).
Similar Pieces
1916 Rising Medal (Seven-pointed star shape); Emergency Service Medal (circular with different ribbon colors for the LDF or Red Cross).
Interesting Facts
The medal is often called the 'Black and Tan Medal' not because of the British forces, but because the black and tan ribbon commemorates the struggle against them.