Original Irish War of Independence IRA Irish Republican Army General Service Medal with Repaired Ribbon & Comrac Bar - Extremely Rare

Original Item. Only One Available. The IRA General Service Medal 1919-1921 is officially known as the Service Medal 1917-1921 (sometimes colloquially called the “IRA Medal” or “Black and Tan Medal”) and was issued by the Irish government to commemorate service during the Irish War of Independence.

On 26 May 1942 the Government approved the recommendation of the Minister for Defence, Mr Oscar Traynor, T.D., that a medal with bar should be issued to those in possession of a military service certificate entitling them to a pension under the Military Service Pensions Acts, 1924 and 1934 in respect of the period subsequent to 1916 and prior to the 11 July 1921. Those not in possession of a certificate, but who could satisfy the Minister that had they applied for a pension- their service was such as would have merited the award of a pension - would also be issued the medal with bar.

This is an extraordinarily scarce example, the first we have ever offered. Also known as the “Black and Tan” medal, this was awarded to those who took part in the struggle for independence between the Easter Uprising of 1916 to the ratification of the treaty which ensured independence from Britain and the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1921, including persons whose service is not deemed to have been active military service but who were members of Oglaigh na hEireann (Irish Republican Army), Fianna Eireann, Cumann na mBan or the Irish Citizen Army for the three months ending July 11, 1921.

This example is in rough condition with some tearing and later repairing to the ribbon on the tan side. The pin is still retained and works well, but due to the damage this medal would display best in a case laid down. The medal has a great patina and will display great in any medal collection.