Irish Polini Msytery Button

by Tim Burt - 8/11/2006
 

I purchased this button recently from England. It has an interesting history directly connected to the city of Dublin, Metropolitan Police.

The button says in Gaelic " POILINI AT CLIAT ", ( POILINI ATH CLIATH ). Translation, Dublin Police, or, Dublin Metropolitan Garda and this button has a very short history indeed. It existed from 1922 to 1925.

The central design is three castles, which is the coat of arms for the city of Dublin.

The back-mark shows the maker as " J.IRELAND & SON LTD · DUBLIN ·  "

In 1922, after the "Troubles" the RIC, (Royal Irish Constabulary), ceased to exist in Eire. Most of Eire was policed by the Garda Siochana, ( formed by Michael Collins ). Also in 1922 the Dublin Metropolitan Police, was renamed the POILINI AT CLIAT until April 1925, when it amalgamated with the Garda Siochana under the Police Forces Amalgamation Act.