Ireland, Republic. A General Service Medal, 1917-1921

(An Bonn Seirbhise 1917-1921). Instituted in 1941. In bronze, un-named, measuring 41.2 mm in diameter, original ribbon suspended from a hanger, very light contact, dark patina, very fine. 

Footnote: The General Service Medal was instituted on January 21, 1941 and awarded to participants in the struggle for independence between the Easter Uprising of 1916 to the ratification of the treaty which ensured independence from Britain and the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1921, including: to members of the old-Irish Republican Army, the Irish Citizens Army, Fianna Eireann and the Cumann na mBann who did not see active service. Some were also issued with a bar inscribed "COMRAC", which was awarded to those who saw active military service.