Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Ulster Unionist Convention 1892, by Gibson, Belfast, obv. Hibernia standing beside a lion, holding a pennant inscribed, '17 June 1892', a harp at her feet, above inscribed, 'Ulster Unionist Convention', a spray of shamrock in the exergue; rev. shields of Ireland, England and Scotland upon a wreath of rose, thistle and shamrock, with crown above and shield of Ulster below, 'Quis separabit 1892', 38mm., bronze, with brooch fitting to the reverse, Ref: B.H.M. 3433, Eimer 1773; Great Ulster Demonstration 1893, by Gibson, Belfast, obv. two men clasping hands before crossed flags inscribed, 'Union is Strength' and 'For Union & Queen', above, 'Great Ulster Unionist Demonstration, April 4 1893', in exergue, 'No Home Rule'; rev. as previous but dated '1893', Ref: B.H.M. 3458, first good very fine, second nearly extremely fine and rare (2) £80-100

The Ulster Unionists were a liberal and radical party formed in 1886 and opposed to Irish home rule. The Ulster Convention met in Belfast on 17 June 1892, with over 12,000 delegates from all over the province. Chaired by the Duke of Abercorn it unanimously passed a series of resolutions maintaining the Union of Great Britain and Ireland and opposing home rule.

The Ulster Unionist Demonstration of 4 April 1893 was held in Belfast. Attended by upwards of 100,000 people; guest of honour, A. J. Balfour’s declaration that ‘Mr Gladstone’s Bill (for Irish Home Rule) was iniquitous and would never become law’ was greeted with wild applause. Such was the crowd’s enthusiasm for Balfour that they unhitched the horses from his carriage and drew it along for three miles themselves before the horses were restored.