Mystery Irish unit/formation badge

[Noor]

Hi all,

I picked up one interesting badge that surely has some Irish connections but I haven't been able to ID it. Does some of you can help or advise what it is?

Thanking you in advance,

Noor

[IrishGunner]

It's definitely an interesting badge. I've not seen anything like it on any online auction or sale site. And the crown doesn't look like the King's Crown. Is that Gaelic on the scroll?

[Martin W]

I have not seen anything like it either.

The "curled horn" reminds me of that seen on Victorian era Rifle Volunteer badges ?

Regards,Martin.

[paul wood]

Looks like a post horn to me, could it have something to do with the Postal service, maybe post office volunteers.

Paul

[IrishGunner]

Post office is a good thought Paul. I have a badge for Irish lighthouse keepers from WWI time period that confused me for a long time looking for something military.

[Noor]

Heureka! Mystery solved! Thank you to the forum member in the British badges forum, this badge is finally ID-d...

Irish Militia - Westmeath Rifles Regiment of Militia, from 1881. The scroll says Westmeath Rifles in Gaelic, they were the 9th Battalion, Rifle Brigade (the Prince Consort's Own).

One of the same badges was sold by Boesleys 2002 for £140! So, it is not very common badge at all!

[Auseklis]

Looks like a post horn to me, could it have something to do with the Postal service, maybe post office volunteers.

This horn is the traditional sign of the infantry. You can find it i.e. on all French Napoleonic infantry buttons.