All Police Forces What is this for badge? Named to W.F. Hinchy

[Xtender]

Hello,

know anyone what for police? badge is it?....what is the value?

thanks, Xt.

[peter monahan]

The heraldry strongly suggests Ulster to me, but otherwise no real idea. Presumably some sort of exam or competition - perhaps promotion exams?

[NickLangley]

Definitely not RUC - the symbolism is just too wrong. For example no crown and the design includes the three castles from Dublin's coat of arms and the the threee crowns of Munster. And the harp (sans crown) is very much a nationalist symbol.

My bet is that Mr Costello was some other kind of chief inspector but definitely not police.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Ireland achieved it's separation from Britain in 1922 - this is 1928 and I suspect for the Irish Garda - or, Police. Probably

he was the highest marks in the new Police College. 9ct. gold must be quite rare for such an award, and it sounds as if the

Ch. Insp. paid for the award. He must have been in charge of the college ? Mervyn

[Dave Wilkinson]

No doubt someone will correct me if I am wrong, but I am fairly certain that the Garda Siochana has never used the rank of Chief Inspector.

Dave.

[NickLangley]

It's not Gardai either.

The ship emblem is taken from Galway City's coat of arms.

[peter monahan]

And, obviously, the Red Hand of Ulster represents that province, while the three crowns are the emblem of the province of Munster. So, some northern and some southern [Republican] symbols. A curious mix, IMHO.

[Nick]

What is the text on the medal is it Gaelic?