antiquesandartireland.com

With everything from World War I recruitment posters designed for use in Ireland to the returning officers report of the East Clare by-election of 1917 signed by Eamon de Valera the sale of History, Literature and Collectibles by Whyte’s in Dublin on October 17 is brimful of interest. The posters encourage, shame, cajole and threaten Irishmen to join up citing acts of barbarity on the part of the Germans and the promise of a place among the nations for Ireland. Lots 155 to 163 have estimates of 150-300. Stuart Purcell of Whyte’s says that demand for objects relating to the Crown forces during the 1916 revolution is on the increase.  There is a previously unrecorded medal awarded to part time soldier FC Stephens of the St. Andrews Volunteer Training Corps.  It is inscribed: “For services rendered at Beggar’s Bush barracks” and estimated at 3,000-5,000.  A defence of Trinity College cup awarded to Cadet George Mathews offered with three curfew passes is estimated at 2,000-3,000.  A posthumous Easter Rising medal awarded to Patrick Farrell has the same estimate.

The East Clare document marking the start of Eamon de Valera’s 42 year career as an elected representative is estimated at 8,000-12,000. The first flag of the Army Comrades Association or Blueshirts recorded at auction is estimated at 1,000-1,500.  A cotton military style blue shirt with epaulettes and breast pockets and a Fine Gael badge is estimated at 1,000-1,500. An Irish silver Henry Grattan statue commemorative trowel presented to William Martin Murphy is estimated at 800-1,200.