One of only two known original copies of the Irish Proclamation in private hands signed by the printer Christoper Brady comes up at the annual James Adam History sale in Dublin on April 26.
The most important document in modern Irish History was printed in Dublin on April 23, 1916 by Christopher Brady, Michael Molloy and Liam O’Brien for the Provisional Government of the Irish Republic.
A print run of 2,500 copies was planned. It seems unlikely that more than 100 were printed. It was printed on an old Wharfdale Double-Crown, printing machine and the rollers the rollers failed to maintain an even pressure. The work was difficult and the paper quality was poor with the result that nearly all copies show some smudging.
Printed at Liberty Hall on Easter Sunday, 1916 it was read from the steps of the General Post Office, O’Connell St., Dublin on Easter Monday morning by Padraig Pearse, thus heralding The Rising and the advance of Ireland towards self-determination. This copy is estimated at 150,000-250,000.
The catalogue for the sale, which is online, lists 268 lots.
UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 120,000 AT HAMMER