Description
Irish War of Independence Black & Tan Medal 1919-1921
Reproduction. Full size medal.
The “Black & Tan Medal” is the nickname given to one of the Irish War of Independence service medals that were issued by the Irish state after independence (they weren’t issued during the war itself).
Official name
“War of Independence Service Medal 1919–1921”
It was issued from 1941 onward by the Irish Government (Dept. of Defence) to eligible IRA / Cumann na mBan / Fianna Éireann veterans who had verifiable service during the War of Independence.
Why “Black & Tan Medal”?
Among collectors the medal with the black & tan ribbon is called the Black & Tan, because the ribbon has the same color pairing used on the Royal Irish Constabulary “Black and Tan” uniforms — black over tan.
That ribbon signified general service (i.e. you served, but not necessarily in an officially recognized combatant “active service unit” category).
Variants
| Type | Ribbon | Common nickname | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Medal (without bar) | Black over Tan | “Black & Tan Medal” | Verified service in War of Independence |
| Service Medal (with bar) | Black over Ta+ Bar | “Active Service Medal” | Proven active service / ASU / flying column etc. |
The version with the combat bar is rarer.
Maker
Struck by Jewellers & Medallists Ltd Dublin.
“Cogadh na Saoirse” (“War of Freedom”).
Market value (very roughly)
Subject to provenance, named medals, original ribbon, paperwork = huge difference:
Black & Tan ribbon (no bar): often ~ €350 – €650
With Bar: €700 to €1200
Named + paperwork + IRA brigade roll match: can be multiple thousands
Qualification
You had to apply — not everyone got one. Many veterans never applied, so survivors’ families ended up with paperwork.
