Rare Irish 26th Battalion Emergency Medal & 1921 1971 Truce Survivors Medal

An interesting and scarce pair of Irish historical medals, displayed together in a framed presentation.

The group consists of:

1. Irish Emergency Service Medal 1939–1946 – 26ú Cathlán / 26th Battalion
A much scarcer battalion-specific version of the Irish Emergency Service Medal. The 26th Battalion has particular historical interest due to its strong association with veterans of the Irish revolutionary period and War of Independence generation. The medal retains its suspension and service bar.

2. 1921–1971 Truce Anniversary Medal / “Survivors Medal”
Issued in 1971 to surviving veterans who had qualified for the Irish Service Medal 1917–1921. This makes it a particularly evocative piece connected directly with the surviving generation of the War of Independence.
The two medals were acquired together as one framed group.

The pairing is historically very interesting, as a recipient of the 1971 Survivors Medal who later served with the 26th Battalion during the Emergency would fit the chronology represented by both medals. However, there is no recipient name or documentation with the group, so I am not attributing the medals to any particular individual.

Condition:
Both medals show age-related wear and patination consistent with their age. One medal is firmly attached to the felt backing, apparently with adhesive, and I have deliberately not attempted to remove it in order to avoid damaging the medal. The medals are being sold exactly as photographed.

A very appealing pair for a collector of Irish Republican history, War of Independence memorabilia, Irish Defence Forces medals or Irish militaria.