Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An Irish Constabulary Badge of Merit to Constable P. R. Bean, Cork Police, who was awarded a Half Chevron for ‘Spirited Conduct in saving two foreign seamen in danger of drowning’ on 31 March 1859

Irish Constabulary Badge of Merit, silver, the reverse officially engraved ‘P. R. Bean. Constae.’, reverse with six loop fasteners and mounted on leather backplate, nearly extremely fine, rare £1,000-£1,400

Patrick R. Bean, of Cork Police, was awarded an Approbation on 31 March 1849, for the ‘efficient discharge of Police Duties.’ He was awarded a Half Chevron (and with it the associated Badge of Merit) on 31 March 1859 for ‘Spirited Conduct in saving two foreign seamen in danger of drowning’, and subsequently received a monetary grant from the Reward Fund; and was awarded a further Approbation on 30 June 1864 for ‘Zealous exertions at the pumps, thereby saving a Schooner from sinking.’

Note: Chevrons and Half Chevrons for bravery and gallant conduct were instituted by the Irish Constabulary in 1842, and in all cases the first award was accompanied by the silver Badge of Merit. A Badge worn alone indicated that the recipient was in possession of a half chevron (there being no physical Half Chevrons). The Badge was officially named to the recipient when awarded as a ‘Half Chevron’, but issued unnamed when awarded as a full Chevron (in which case the Chevron was officially named).