Description
Irish Army & Fenian era Belt Buckle Set
REPRODUCTIONS
An Irish Army Belt Buckle and a Fenian era Belt Buckle along with a Michael Collins pin Badge.
What is a Fenian Belt Buckle?
Historical Context
The term Fenian broadly refers to the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) and its U.S. affiliate, the Fenian Brotherhood—19th-century secret organizations advocating armed struggle for an independent Irish republic Wikipedia.
Types of Fenian Belt Buckles
I.R.A.-Inscribed Belts
Issued around November 1866 as part of standardized Fenian military uniforms, notably by the Roberts wing American Fenians+1.
General John O’Neill is depicted wearing such a buckle during his capture in May 1870 American Fenians.
Original “I.R.A.” plates are rare and sought after by collectors.
Virginia Militia Repurposed Buckles
Reports indicate William B. Roberts purchased 30,000 Virginia Militia buckles bearing “Sic Semper Tyrannis—Virginia” in late 1866, intending to replace “Virginia” with “Ireland.” These buckles were likely melted down or reworked into the I.R.A. plate variants American Fenians+1.
Bronze Harp and Shamrock Buckles
Auction records describe a rare 19th-century Fenian soldier’s buckle: bow-shaped, central harp with pierced strings, crowned, and surrounded by shamrocks—measuring approx.
Another variation includes initials like “A O’B L” (possibly referencing founders Allen, O’Brien & Larkin) around a central harp lotsearch.net.
Modern Reproductions
Contemporary reproductions of the I.R.A. brass buckle exist and are available in some shops, particularly in Ireland
Summary Table
| Type | Description | Period | Rarity / Not |
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