Royal Dublin Fusiliers

R.Dub.Fusilier · 01-11-2011 1:54am

phaethon wrote: »

Ok guys, when it was on ebay??? I check ebay pretty often now and I didn't spot it. Regarding prices on ebay, I think I am one of them who is paying way too much for RDF items at the moment. Just as a beginner RDF collector, I have to start from somewhere. However, as a some sets like McIntosh and Devlin's, this money was most likely worth every penny. Beginner's luck?
I have at the moment lined up 4 RDF sets and singles to research, before I post them up. One of them was very unlucky man to became KIA less then a week before end of the Great War! Also my very first RDF officer's set is waiting research. I will post it up when I have his papers and all the main info together.

To learn and study, I have spent as well lots of money last months for a books and materials. Also I have now RDF medal roles what I have (like) to work with; I am in the middle of doing for myself Excel database with the RDF soldiers. VERY time consuming - there is lots of different sources what I have to compare, etc. Also different sources has some mistakes and to get them right, takes time. I hoping to have coming half an year initial database together (at the moment just a little pit more then 2000 names) and my ultimate aim would be to start working with the unit statistics.... age groups by battalions, locations, reinforecements, bravery awards by battalions, etc, casualties by months and so on! This would be something new what I haven't seen much around and would great to discuss and share with other RDF entusiast.

Regards,

Timo

timo its up to you what you want to pay for something. it used to be all irish stuff that went sky high but that seems to have slowed down now, but the RDF stuff keeps going higher and higher.

what are you going to do with the data base when you finish it? you might want to contact the RDF Association when you finish it they do some good work.

the RDF Somme KIA was up a couple of months ago. i have been looking for one for years.

R.Dub.Fusilier · 01-11-2011 2:01am

phaethon wrote: »

Looked your collection again and it is just amazing - I presume upper rows are all trio sets for a one person?

Any officer's sets, any POWs?

Regards,

Timo

the top row are 1915 trios and under broken trios, i think , some pairs and lots of singles.

i dont have any officers , only officer i have is Tyneside Irish. I have a few POWs , dont know how many.

phaethon · 01-11-2011 11:16pm

I don't know to you have sources to check 2nd Bn. POWs addresses but if you want, send me a message with their names and numbers, I can let you know their home or next in kind addresses if I have them.:cool:

phaethon · 08-11-2011 11:45pm

Here is one really nice silver sweetheart badge. Maker marked "STERLING SILVER" and "H.H" (most likely Harrison Brothers & Howson?).
.

Lion has tail up what is pretty interesting fact I think. Pre 1900 piece?

Text under "R.DUBLIN.FUSILIERS".

phaethon · 09-11-2011 12:09am

And cap badges... all different makers or periods:

Buataisi · 10-11-2011 9:51pm

https://www.easyliveauction.com/auction_catalogue.cfm?itemID=16834BFCCD4943D6FC00FDEBDEFD052ED5D5C1EF&auction=16834BFCCD4943D6FC00&action=6&rangepage=10&currentpage=1

phaethon · 12-11-2011 7:43pm

Here is my today's finds.

Sweetheart badge. It is very small but the details are amazing!

phaethon · 12-11-2011 7:46pm

And here is my oldest RDF related insignia what I got today!

arnhem44 · 13-11-2011 6:34pm

OK lads since there's a thread dedicated to the RDF I thought I'd post this one up for ye.The photo is from 1922 and has seen better days however an extremely scarce shot depicting the RDF trooping the colours most likely taken at (I presume)Windsor Castle at the handing over of the colours to the King when the regiment was disbanded.As can be seen each man is displaying there medals.

R.Dub.Fusilier · 13-11-2011 8:50pm

excllent photo A44.

phaethon · 16-11-2011 1:28am

Great one Arnhem!!!!

Here is my today's arrival. Regarding shoulder title and button I am pretty sure its RDF man.

What you guys think?

arnhem44 · 16-11-2011 11:18am

The reflection on the title from the flash of the camera just throws the image every so slightly but I'd go with the RDF to be honest from looking at the blown up image.

phaethon · 01-12-2011 1:36am

Thanks arnhem44! I kind a like that photo, even I never can be sure 100%. Still, it is a man who did his part during the war!

Next I do not have any questions to ask but I would like to share and hear opionins of my small Royal Dublin Fusiliers collection one of the highlights:

2nd Battalion Presentation of Colours booklet from 1911.

Amazing shape - all the paper is without any folds, etc. Quality is just prefect. Cover page is printed on the "puble paper" and crest is half stamped in. Inisde pages are all good as well. All togthered just 6 sheets (12 pages) inside and the size is just slightly bigger then the normal post card but I must say - I am in love of that item (don't tell it to my wife!:D). I do not think that there is many of these around after 100 years + event what for that booklet was issued was hugh for a one regiment!

arnhem44 · 01-12-2011 5:43pm

I happened to see this one up for sale.An excellent buy and as you say probably very scarce as one would imagine would of been printed in very small numbers and most likely not many surviving.Thanks for sharing

phaethon · 03-12-2011 10:23pm

Thanks arnhem, yes, I am indeed very pleased with that. Price went really high but when there can be next time to see it on sale - once off offer to buy in life time:rolleyes:.

Here is one more RDF photo what I received yesterday. Is there any "clues" what can help to indicate time frame when it was made? As much (not mutch:D) I presume, he has 1902 pattern dress. So, a Royal Dublin Fusiliers Corporal somewhere between 1902-1918?

Made locally in Dublin but there is no name, etc text written on the back, so no way to ID him unfortunately.

phaethon · 12-12-2011 1:11am

Here is information what I received from an expert about the picture of RDF Corporal:

It's a lovely photograph and perhaps taken around 1906-07, as he is not wearing the new 1908 pattern web belt, but the old buff leather waist belt from the 1887 Slade Wallace Pattern Valise Equipment. That said, one swallow does not a Summer make and it could be later and just a question of him preferring to wear the undoubtedly smarter buff belt. He also has a 'whangee' type swagger cane, which usually came from a tropical posting like India. Notice the leather fob for his pocket watch attached to a chest pocket button. He also has the smarter, stiff sided version of the 1905 pattern SD cap so I don't think the photo can be any later than 1914. He might well have been on the staff of the regimental depot at Naas.

Last week was very busy because so many new RDF awards showed up on the market and are now on the way to my humble collection. But one of the highlights, what I love is a single old postcard:

phaethon · 12-12-2011 11:38pm

Here is my todays arrivals:

1. original sigarette card with the famous Royal Dublin Fusiliers boy-soldier Dunne. Small but prefect shape! I presume these were printed in hugh quantities.

I like the picture how RDF cap badge and collar is represented.

phaethon · 12-12-2011 11:39pm

2. Next item what I got is a Gregory & Co, London print. Looks like period one to me and it is just fantastic shape! I presume it was part of some kind a regimental picture album? Is there more information about this publication?

Close up of soldier. Does anyone have a original picture of this type of shoulder boards insignia? Looks like a cap badge to me.

phaethon · 21-12-2011 10:54pm

More new stuff:

An early shoulder title. Worn in India around c1897. Also may be linked with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers band from pre 1900 period.

phaethon · 21-12-2011 10:58pm

And the one another variety of RDF vap badge. This maker used a slightly different attachment system - a tabs. One is broken but I do not mind it...

Looks like same maker produced officer's collar badges as well - exact same tiger and elephant!

phaethon · 19-02-2012 4:32pm

I was VERY lucky yesterday, when I spotted this early 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers collar badge, what I was advised, was in use only during period of 1881-1883.

kabakuyu · 19-02-2012 9:52pm

phaethon wrote: »

I was VERY lucky yesterday, when I spotted this early 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers collar badge, what I was advised, was in use only during period of 1881-1883.

Thats a very nice one,:) must be quite scarce.

molders · 20-02-2012 1:35pm

I presume that most RDF collectors seen the 10th Btn silver match box holder that was for sale recently but in case you didn't check out the original owners story;

http://www.grantonline.com/grant-family-individuals/grant-charles-1881/CW-Grant.htm

Its a story that has it all; A DMP interest, Dublin OTC, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 1916 Rising, Battle of the Somme, Burning of the Custom House etc!

R.Dub.Fusilier · 20-02-2012 7:31pm

the case sold for £381 in the end. there is a lot of history attached to it so that would explain the high price.

molders · 20-02-2012 7:42pm

It went for a lot in the end alright. I've seen other RDF non-attributable silver match holders go for in the range of £60-100, but I think this one with the 1916 connection etc was a special one. Grant was present at some historic events!

kabakuyu · 20-02-2012 10:51pm

molders wrote: »

I presume that most RDF collectors seen the 10th Btn silver match box holder that was for sale recently but in case you didn't check out the original owners story;

http://www.grantonline.com/grant-family-individuals/grant-charles-1881/CW-Grant.htm

Its a story that has it all; A DMP interest, Dublin OTC, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 1916 Rising, Battle of the Somme, Burning of the Custom House etc!

Not a bad account and its always good for balance to get a perspective from a Southern Unionist.Alot has been written about Northern Unionists but Dublin at the time had a large influential Unionist ascendancy population whose story seems to have disappeared.Their political and social decline would make for interesting reading.

phaethon · 22-02-2012 12:10am

I saw that box too and I wanted to get it.... after my last offer 75 GBP was overbid in minutes by more then one user, I gave up. I knew this one will go mad money in the end - money what I do not have to spend at the moment:(.

At least I am very pleased with my match box, what I obtained locally from Dublin. Because there is Emperess of India Crown, this can be made in there.

R.Dub.Fusilier · 23-02-2012 10:06pm

i haven't seen these type badges put up yet they are RDF busby badges . one is the officers and the other brass one is other ranks. sorry the pic are not that great. the bear skin is not mine.

phaethon · 23-02-2012 10:12pm

Just amazing! Its one of the nicest RDF insignia what I have seen!

Thanks for posting!;)

R.Dub.Fusilier · 26-02-2012 3:33pm

i got a couple of better photos of the above badge.

phaethon · 27-02-2012 11:40pm

Its amazing officer's busby badge!!!!

My today's arrivals can't even get close but still nice...

1911 and 1918 Gale and Polden Ltd. cleaned Royal Dublin Fusiliers postcards.

phaethon · 27-02-2012 11:43pm

and the second one

phaethon · 04-03-2012 2:20pm

RDF silk piece. Amazing quality and condition!

phaethon · 15-03-2012 11:42pm

Here is my today's pick up. "trench art" but it is kind a nice piece to have next to official items - makes soldier's look more "personal" and "alive".

phaethon · 20-03-2012 11:02pm

Here is one nice photo from 1st Battalion band. Looks like one of the guys worn tiger skin. Any explanations? Maybe because 1st Bn. was awarded the "Royal Tiger" on the 1791? - I found an answer of British Army tradition of drummers Leopard skin already. Something new learned today again!;)

http://www.calgaryhighlanders.com/traditions/regimentaldress/skins.htm

Also does any of you has more info about the Coat of Arms on the front drum?

Is there some reference as well of the sleeve badge what some of they have?

Kind Regards,

Timo aka Phaethon

phaethon · 24-04-2012 10:26pm

My today's arrival from the Tribes!;)

Glengarry badge, post 1881 model to the Royal Dublin Fusiliers all the battalions.
Lugs are replaced (this badge had been up before, who saw, recognise it;))

And here is my current temporary RDF insignia display (- buttons, what are on the other case) - moves slowely in the right direction.

johnny_doyle · 27-04-2012 10:02pm

phaethon wrote: »

Here is one nice photo from 1st Battalion band. Looks like one of the guys worn tiger skin. Any explanations? Maybe because 1st Bn. was awarded the "Royal Tiger" on the 1791? - I found an answer of British Army tradition of drummers Leopard skin already. Something new learned today again!;)

http://www.calgaryhighlanders.com/traditions/regimentaldress/skins.htm

Also does any of you has more info about the Coat of Arms on the front drum?

Is there some reference as well of the sleeve badge what some of they have?

Kind Regards,

Timo aka Phaethon

strange bit of editing out of the guy at the back by the doors.

The chevrons on the lower left sleeve of the guys tunics are good conduct stripes. Can't make out enough to work out what the badges on their right arms are but presume they are music trade badges?

phaethon · 17-05-2012 9:35pm

One of "top five" buttons, what I have so far;)

102 Regiment of Foot (Royal Madras Fusiliers) large button. After 1881 they became a 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers.

I really like "Plassey" on it! Button made by Jennens & Co, London.

phaethon · 17-05-2012 9:39pm

two photos...

5th Extra Reserve Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers soldiers around first part of the WW1.

Royal Dublin Fusiliers soldier.

phaethon · 17-05-2012 9:41pm

Last weekend pick up:cool:

phaethon · 17-05-2012 9:46pm

and one of the rarest badge, what I have so far, 2nd Battalion pouch pocket badge.

to understand a size

mattjack · 17-05-2012 10:03pm

phaethon wrote: »

and the second one

Stay online I've a couple of post cards for viewing.

mattjack · 17-05-2012 10:39pm

https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/uploads/attachments/356507/205444.jpg

Picture 357.jpg

mattjack · 17-05-2012 10:49pm

https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/
https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/
https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/
https://us.v-cdn.net/6034073/

My great grandfather fought in Gallipolli with the 6th RDF and then with the 1st RDF.My wife's great grandfather was in the 2nd RDF and died 21st March 1918 in the battle of Pozieres .

phaethon · 23-08-2012 12:04pm

Hi all,

Summer is over and I am back:D. Here is my next find - very nice raffle ticket, what was printed in Dublin, in order to support POW's. I don't think there can be many of these around.

phaethon · 23-08-2012 12:05pm

and Saturday I found one more sweetheart brooch what I didn't had. Never too many of these!;)

phaethon · 03-09-2012 8:17pm

Today's catch;)

I picked up one great specially printed card to the regiment. Especially I like it because it is from 1920 and shows 1st Battalion gallantry moments from WW1 - landing in Gallipoli on the SS "River Clyde" ... and of course, card is printed just two years before disbandment!

I know the house in Dublin, where it was discovered, so hopefully one nice research project as well.

pages inside

First page shows "From the members Sgt mess"

middle page is one large picture

phaethon · 17-09-2012 4:17pm

Next arrival;). Great and I quess scarse dispandment certificvate for service in the regiment. "The Blue Caps" volume 3 shows exact same card to 1st Battalion. Mine is for 2nd Battalion. So, one more to find!!!:D

It is pretty big and on the carboard.

I can't figure out soldier's name. Also regimental number is weird and long meantime I have seen similar ones on the award lists.

R.Dub.Fusilier · 17-09-2012 9:40pm

Another nice piece you have there.

In regard to the number its from the new batch the Dubs were issued in 1920 (I think)

phaethon · 19-09-2012 5:39pm

Thanks! Yeah, I am sure now as well that the number must come from 1920 patch.

Here is one more Christmas card from 1917 what I got. At this time not Battalion level but Divisonal instead. Still, I think its great and especially because very interesting middle section!

in the middle

Really nice, isn't it? And the good part... it became with the envelope, so I have soldier's name. I have to do some research and find out which Irish battalion that lad was in. Hopefully Dubs!

Royal Dublin Fusiliers

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