Description:
83RD (COUNTY OF DUBLIN) REGIMENT (THE POST 1880 1ST BATTALION ROYAL IRISH RIFLES AND PARENT REGIMENT OF THE PRESENT-DAY ROYAL IRISH REGIMENT). The framed central section from what is probably the earliest Regimental Colour, embroidered in multi-coloured silk and gold bullion wire on a yellow silk panel depicting the regimental title LXXXIII REGt. on a neo-classical shield, pre-1800 pattern Union Wreath of roses and thistles around (no shamrocks), circa 1794. Silk panel housed in a 19th century Hogarth style ebonised and gilt frame and recently re-glazed with Tru Vue Conservation Glass, silk panel measures 20.5 inches x 23.5 inches (51mm x 59mm) (vertical) approx, overall 23.5 inches x 27 inches (51mm x 68.5mm) (vertical) approx.
The yellow silk panel now somewhat faded, several minor splits around edges of the silk panel (all but one of these well away from embroidered central section), frame with some wear and contact marks, otherwise good condition. The 83rd Regiment of Foot was raised at Dublin in 1793 by William Fitch, one of a number of regiments raised during 1793 for service during the French revolutionary wars of 1792 -1802. William Fitch was appointed Colonel of the regiment on 28 September 1793, and it sailed for England on Friday 7th November 1794, under the command of Colonel Fitch. After landing in England, the regiment was placed 83rd in precedence for infantry regiments of the line and was granted the title 83rd Regiment of Foot. The regiment first saw active service in the West Indies in 1795, remaining there until 1803, when it returned to England. The regiment next saw service at the Cape of Good Hope 1805-1817. In recognition of its distinguished services there, the regiment was granted the battle honour Cape of Good Hope in 1836, to be borne on its colours and regimental devices. The regiment next saw service in Ceylon, 1817-1828, embarking for home in 1828 and landing at Portsmouth in April and May 1829. After a brief interlude in Scotland the regiment sailed from Glasgow to Belfast on 16th August 1830.
After being posted to various locations in Ireland the regiment marched back to Dublin on 19th August 1833, after an absence of 38 years.The 83rd Foot raised a second battalion in 1803. That battalion subsequently saw service during the Peninsular War, 1809-1814, but was disbanded at the conclusion of hostilities and its battle honours transferred to the 1st Battalion.The 83rd Foot amalgamated with the 86th Foot in 1881 to form the Royal Irish Rifles. That regiment became the Royal Ulster Rifles in 1921. The Royal Ulster Rifles amalgamated with the Royal Irish Fusiliers and the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in 1968 to form the Royal Irish Rangers, and in 1992 the Royal Irish Rangers amalgamated with the Ulster Defence Regiment to form the present day Royal Irish Regiment. There were two earlier 83rd Regiments of Foot, the first being raised in 1757 and disbanded in 1763, and the second (the 83rd Royal Glasgow Volunteers) being raised in 1777 and disbanded in 1783. The design of the central device on the panel from the regimental colour indicates that it was produced after these two earlier regiments had been disbanded but prior to 1800. The design is of a Universal pattern employed on the regimental colours of the various regiments raised in 1793 for service during the French revolutionary wars, while the wreath of roses and thistles indicates that it was produced prior to the Act of Union of 1800. Probably produced in 1794, when the 83rd (County of Dublin) Regiment first landed in England and, as was the custom, placed 83rd in seniority based on the date of first service in England. Price includes delivery within Dublin. Not suitable for posting, so purchasers from outside Dublin will need to arrange for collection/delivery.
