WW2 ERA IRELAND EMRGENCY SERVICES MEDAL LOCAL DEFENCE FORCES 2 BARS 1939 1946

35mm wide circular gilt bronze medal with scroll and laterally-pierced ball for ribbon suspension; the face with a full-length classically-dressed female figure representative of Ireland, a sword in her right hand, the point resting at her feet, an Irish wolfhound standing behind her, its leash in her left hand, circumscribed ‘Ré na Práinne’ (Emergency Period) in Old Gaelic script, signed ‘LAWRENCE CAMPBELL. R.H.A’; the reverse with a laurel branch centrally, the dates ‘1939’ and 1946’ to left and right respectively, circumscribed ‘Na Fórsai Cosanta’ (Defence Force) in Old Gaelic script above; the gilding worn; on original ribbon with two ‘1939 - 1946’ gilt bars and top gilt bar for wear inscribed ‘Seirbís Náisiúnta’ (National Service) in Old Gaelic script, the reverse with pin for wear, with maker’s mark ‘PQ & Co’ (for P. Quinn Ltd. of Dublin).

The medal was instituted on 6 October 1944 to reward service during World War II, referred to in Ireland as the ‘Emergency Period’, Ireland remaining neutral but vigilant. The medal had eleven variations of the reverse for different service units. This example is for members of the full-time Defence Forces, comprising the Army, Air Corps and Navy. A minimum of two years’ service was required to gain this medal and the ‘1939 - 1946’ bar was awarded for an additional two years’ service. This example was therefore awarded for service throughout the six-year period. In practice, it was not until 1947 that the medal was manufactured and distributed. The medal is not often found.