A Very Rare Irish Revenue Police Officers Sword. 38” overall, 33” pipeback slightly curved blade very well etched with Crown, double shamrock leaf and ‘Revenue Police’ on both sides and maker’s address ‘John Ireland Dublin Warranted’ on the ricasso. Steel three bar hilt, stepped pommel, shagreen covered wooden grip with twisted cooper wire. In its original steel scabbard.
Circa 1835
In good condition, blade well etched, wooden grip chipped at pommel
Irish Revenue Police formed in 1832 to enforce the unpopular excise laws, their duties involved the detection of illegal liquor stills & capture of their operators who were attempting to avoid the payment of excise duty. The Revenue Police were subsequently amalgamated into the Irish Constabulary in 1857.
John Ireland & Son 13 Ellis's Quay. The main supplier of uniform, swords and accoutrements to the Royal Irish Constabulary.