waistcoat / D.M.P., 1919

Dublin Metropolitan Police body shield or steel waistcoat. Back and breast defence composed of four steel plates for back and four for breast; each group of four held in position by steel bands crossing at the junctions of the plates. Both back and breast covered with khaki twill, and with straps of same between them to hold all in position for putting on over shoulders. Inscribed on inside back: "Dayfield/Body/Shield/Patent No. 5". Such shield were issued to members of the Crown Forces at the end of 1919 and this shield was kept by donor, who was a Detective Inspector, G. Division, D.M.P., and whose duty was to protect the Chief Secretary, as a souvenir when others were handed in after the Anglo-Irish Truce.;