Irish Emergency Medal

[John G]

Hello All,

I just received this in the mail. Although I collect mainly Third Reich, I always keep my eyes out for these. Marked on the back in Gaelic "Volunteer Aid Division Irish Red Cross Society"
Now I've seen these marked to the "official" Red Cross division, but not the Volunteer Red Cross Division. Is this rare?

For those who wish to know, quick history...Ireland was neutral during WWII, but felt she was at equal harm of invasion from both Germany and England, so the "emergency period" in Irish history spans 1939-1946. These medals were given out to the forces assembled in defense of the Irish homeland. Obverse of the medals are all the same, The maiden representing Ireland holding an irish wolfhound. The reverse has a laurel sprig and is named to whatever section of the forces it was awarded to. Some are, "the Local security force, The Air Service, Merchant Marine, Chaplains etc." Some are more rare than others, depending on amount awarded. Chaplains medals are the rarest, as I think only 68 were awarded. I doing this from memory. If anyone has any info or corrections please feel free to add...

These medals are well made with great strikes....and heavy. This one weighs 30.2 g

John

[John G]

reverse

reverse

[JBFloyd]

These are not commonly found in the market, especially in good condition (usually the ribbon looks like it was worn daily). I find they sell in the $80-100 range, going to Irish collectors and Red Cross collectors.

[John G]

Wow

Picked it up on ebay for 51.00 US

Since this is my fourth version of this medal (Air Raid service, Volunteer Red Cross, Local Security Forces, and (Regular) Defense Forces) I guess I'm officially an Irish collector

John

[paddywhack]

i know some irish medal collecters and il see what they about it! my grandad was in the civil service during the war but he cant remember where put it! oh well!!!