28 April Year - Independence

#0193

Lot 674/7025

James Connolly and Jim Larkin
A rare printed receipt for £2 received from General Secretary Irish Transport and General Workers Union, being wages for week ending 23 Nov. (19)12, signed by James Connolly, with the stamp of I.T.G.W.U. (Belfast Branch), mounted with a photograph showing Big Jim Larkin with his son James (‘young Jim’). V. Rare.
* Born in Edinburgh of Irish parents, Connolly worked in Dublin 1898 – 1902 before moving to the United States, 1903. On his return to Ireland in 1910 he worked in Belfast as an organiser for the I.T.G.W.U., founded in 1908 by Jim Larkin who was its first General Secretary. In 1912 Connolly and Larkin were co-founders of the Irish Labour Party. Connolly returned to Dublin in 1913; he founded the Irish Citizen Army again in co-operation with Larkin. Agreeing to co-operate with the I.R.B., he signed the 1916 Proclamation and commanded the Volunteers’ Dublin forces during the 1916 Rising. Severely wounded in the fighting around the G.P.O., he was put to death by firing squad in a wheelchair on the 9th May, 1916. His signature is extremely Rare. (1)

Lot 675/7025

“The Year of Liberty and Revolution”
Irish Independence, 1848: A very fine and extremely rare colour printed Poster advertising An Aggregate Meeting of the Citizens of Belfast, Favourable to the Right of Irish People to Make its Own Laws, To be held in the Theatre Royal, 7 April, ‘in the Year of Liberty and Revolutions. The Committee of the Re-United Nationalists of Ulster will lay before the meeting … certain Resolutions … (including) A Petition to Her Majesty: An Address to the French People; A Memorial to the Town Council,’ … followed by a verse ending Orange and Green will Carry the Day. No printing information, but probable Belfast 1848, approx. 73.5 x 48cm. Very good. Extremely Rare. (1)

Lot 676/7025

James Larkin’s trial for larceny of union funds 1909
An important group of two small quarto manuscript notebooks compiled by Francis Healy, the barrister who defended Jim Larkin and other trade union officers on charges of conspiring to steal union subscriptions at a Cork police court, August 1909.
The case against Larkin and his colleagues James Fearon, Denis Sullivan and Daniel Coveney relates to 1908-9, when Larkin founded the Irish Transport and General Workers Union, having been expelled by the British-based National Union of Dock Labourers. It was alleged that Larkin and his colleagues had collected subscriptions in Cork intended for the Dock Labourers Union and had applied them without authority to the new Irish union. The charge was probably inspired by Larkin’s enemies among the dock employers, but a labourer was produced in court to say his subscriptions had been misapplied. The Cork police court found a true bill against the defendants. When the substantive trial was held in Dublin in 1910, Larkin was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment. The case had serious consequences for another defendant, James Fearon. Given six months with hard labour, he suffered a breakdown while in prison and was removed to a mental institution for some time.
The details of the episode are obscure, and the present notebooks offer useful evidence for a fuller account. They include contemporary news cuttings of the court evidence, extracts from the Larceny Act, detailed notes probably of evidence given in court, and lists of questions probably intended for use in court. (During the hearing, the prosecutor at one point referred to ‘a book’ from which he alleged Healy was reading while conducting questions – very probably this notebook). The notebooks refer only to the Cork hearing. There is also some material relating to other matters in which Healy was involved.
Francis Healy (1872-1931), a cousin of Tim and Maurice Healy, was a well-established Cork barrister and an active nationalist. A co-opted member of Cork County Council and a friend of William O’Brien, he defended separatist prisoners charged under the Defence of the Realm Act, and was deported after the Easter Rising (see the Dictionary of Cork Biography).

Lot 676A/7025

Leader of The United Irishmen in Wexford
1798: Harvey (Bagenal) A legal document, printed with manuscript insertions, concerning a debt of £3,869-6-2d, owed by Henry Bruen of Oakpark, Co. Carlow, to Martha Harvey of Bargey Castle, Co. Wexford, dated 16 July 1794; with endorsement signed B.B. Harvey dated 22 February 1796, acknowledging receipt of £2119-19-11d, from Robert French, executor of Henry Bruen, in full settlement there of, the bond countersigned by Robert Cornwall, Henry Bruen, etc. As a m/ss., w.a.f.
* Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey of Bargey Castle was a barrister and a substantial Wexford landowner. He supported Catholic Emancipation, and in 1793 he presided at United Irishmen meetings in Dublin. When the Rising of 1798 began, the Wexford insurgents chose him as their Commander-in-Chief, a post he accepted with some reluctance. he issued orders prohibiting plunder and other excesses. After the defeat at New Ross he was deposed from his command, and was arrested, court-martialled and hanged on Wexford Bridge on 26 June, 1798.
Authentic documents with his signature are extremely rare. (1)

Lot 677/7025

Margaret M. Pearse (sister of Patrick Pearse, sometime TD and Senator)
Three autograph signed letters to Mr. [R.W.] Lyon of Talbot Press, each 1 page, first from St. Enda’s, Rathfarnham, 29.12.1943, third from Linden (convalescent home), Blackrock, 19.5.1964, both acknowledging cheques for royalties, the other on headed paper of Blue White Productions [amateur drama charity group], dated by recipient 20.4.44, asking Lyon to deal with a request (presumably a copyright matter).
The third letter, written from Linden four years before her death, notes that ‘I was indeed glad to have it [cheque for £58.5.7d.] as I was in need of it’. She says she is fairly well at present, but includes her solicitor’s address as ‘I cannot expect to live very much longer’.
Margaret Mary Pearse [1878-1968] was the elder sister of Patrick and William Pearse. A teacher by profession, she helped her brothers with the establishment of St. Enda’s, and continued the school after their deaths until financial problems forced its closure in the early 1930s. She was Fianna Fail TD for Co. Dublin 1933-37, and a Senator from 1938 until her death. She bequeathed St. Enda’s and the surrounding land to the nation as a memorial to her brothers. Talbot Press took over publication of Patrick Pearse’s works in the 1920s after the demise of their original publishers Maunsel.

Lot 677A/7025

A fragment of “The Volunteer” tablecloth
Printed linen, 28 x 33cm

Lot 678/7025

Tadhg Barry of Cork
A very good autograph signed letter, 2 pp (single sheet), dated 21.10.[19]16, to the Cork nationalist and barrister Frank Healy, then in detention in Britain, concerning his candidacy in the West Cork by-election of 1916. Barry says that Healy has been mentioned as a Sinn Fein candidate, but William O’Brien has taken the wind out of their sails by nominating him (Healy) as a candidate for O’Brien’s All-For-Ireland League, ‘and now the trouble is that people are dead on the oath taking, and unless we have some guarantee from you [that he will not take the oath] you will have J.J. Walsh up as official Sinn Fein candidate. Personally I would prefer you to secure the seat. Your connection with I.A.A. [Irish American Alliance] and the fine way in which you fought the Kent & McSwiney cases hardly needed the Goverment recognition of your worth, and your refusal to take allegiance to your gaolors would now give you a place in history As the first Sinn Fein MP ..’
In the event Frank Healy contested the by-election for the All-For-Ireland League, and was narrowly defeated. He later supported Sinn Fein. The Irish American Alliance was a separatist faction of the Ancient order of Hibernians, of what Healy was Grand Master. Early in 1916 Healy represented Terence MacSwiney and Tomas Ceannt [Kent] at their trial for making seditious speeches; MacSwiney was fined one shilling.
Tadhg Barry, a leading Cork IRB member, Volunteer and Sinn Feiner, was shot dead by a sentry at Ballykinlar Detention Camp while an unarmed detainee in 1921.
Provenance: Family of the Cork barrister Frank Healy, by descent.

Lot 678A/7025

Bureau of Military History
Liam de Roiste T.D., Cork.
A large collection of detailed notes for his statement to the Bureau of Military History concerning his part in the struggle for Irish Independence, principally in the Cork area, as follows:
* 1899 – 1902. Typescript, 16pp folio (with two duplicate pages) giving his evidence for this period.
* 1915 – Jan. 1916. Manuscript, 16pp folio, detailing his experience.
* February 1915 – April 2nd 1916. A very detailed typescript document written in the first person day to day, possibly drawn from a diary, pages numbered 204 – 305 and 306 – 413; apparently in preparation for his evidence to the Bureau.
* Two T.L. (one signed) from F. O’Donoghue concerning Volunteer Records and De Roiste’s evidence to the Bureau.
A valuable and important Collection. As a lot, w.a.f.
Liam de Roiste was an early associate of Terence Mac Swiney in the Cork Celtic Literary Society, and later in the Cork Industrial Development Society and Irish Volunteers. He was a T.D. in the First and Second Dail, and voted for the Treaty. (1)

Lot 679/7025

PRINTER TO THE REPUBLIC
Patrick Mahon (Dublin Printer who provided type for the 1916 Proclamation).
A highly important collection relating to this distinguished Nationalist and Republican printer, including –
* A most impressive illuminated testimonial Address, presented by a committee of 19 including John Dillon Laurence Kettle and others, approx. 51 x 51cm, in a shaped mount, with an elaborate gilt frame, decorated in the Celtic taste and illuminated by Mary Fitzpatrick of Dublin, with Celtic harper etc., and inset with views of the G.P.O., the Irish House of Commons etc. The text referring to ‘your recent restoration of liberty after having undergone a severe sentence of imprisonment at the hands of a military tribunal for no other crime but that of being an Irish Nationalist,’ and mentioning his service to ‘our great Leader and Chief, the immortal Parnell,’ his work as a municipal Councillor, etc., n.d.
* His collection of medals including a 1916 Easter Week Medal (awarded in recognition of his assistance with the printing of the 1916 Proclamation), a 1919-1921 War of Independence Medal, with ‘Comhrac’ bar, and a “Seirbhis Naisiunta – 26th Battalion”, Emergency 1939 – 1946 Medal, all with associated ribbons and clasps.
* A very unusual re-printed copy of the 1916 Proclamation, printed by Mahon, Printers, in facsimile of the original, typographical peculiarities etc., in a reduced size of 37.5 x 25cm. This, according to the family, was printed in a very small edition of about 100 copies for the 25th Anniversary of The Rising (1941), for distribution to survivors. This copy inscribed by Patrick Mahon to his son, ‘To Pat, Easter 1949, Daddy.’ Worn at fold, otherwise very good copy.
The Medals and the Proclamation have now been framed as one.
Patrick Mahon was an important link between the Parnellite generation of Nationalists and the group which organised the 1916 Rising; his father and uncle before him had been involved with the Fenians in 1867 (as noted in the address). some of the type for the 1916 Proclamation was borrowed from his Yarnhall Press in Dublin; the various typographical peculiarities of that document are explained by the shortage of some letters, so that the entire document could not be printed in one operation. A most historically important collection including his medals and the later facsimile reprint of the 1916 Proclamation. (2)

Lot 680/7025

Terence MacSwiney [1879-1920]
A paid cheque for £25 issued to his wife Muirgheal [Muriel] Bean Mhic Suibhne, 30.iii.1918, drawn on Banc na Mumhan & Laighean Teo. [Munster & Leinster Bank], signed in Irish by MacSwiney and endorsed at rear by his wife, ink stain to one side.
A substantial cheque, possibly written when MacSwiney was rearrested under the ‘Cat-and-Mouse Act’ in March 1918, while visiting Dublin with Muriel.

Lot 680A/7025

Tom Clarke (First Signatory of the 1916 Proclamation)
A printed cheque with manuscript entries and endorsements, made out by Clarke to “Treasurer Ard Craobh,” for four pounds and three shillings, dated January 11th, 1916, with a good signature, drawn on Northern Banking Co., Office, clipped at one end as usual, without significant loss, endorsed at rear by recipient. Rare.
* Thomas Clarke’s signature is one of the rarest of the 1916 leaders as he spent most of his adult life in jail or in America. (1)

Lot 681/7025

John Gerald Brenan [G.A.A.]
A most interesting autograph signed letter, 4 pp (single sheet), undated (possibly circa 1890), asking [Frank] Healy to attend the forthcoming annual Congress of the Gaelic Athletic Association in Thurles, for which he encloses a ticket received from Maurice Davin, and to have a private discussion with Davin, who he says is ready ‘to enter the Irish National Society immediately’, also mentioning Michael Cusack and others. The Society concerned is probably the Irish National Literary Society, formed by Yeats and Hyde about 1890. Brenan writes from Dublin, but is probably a member of the well-known Cork family of artists.
Provenance: Family of the Cork barrister Frank Healy, by descent.

Lot 682/7025

“Irish Party” Green Flag
[Redmond (J.E.)] A large and impressive Green Flag with painted gilt Harp, circa 97 x 173cm poplin (?) with ties at one end, margins stitched. In very fine condition.
* Believed to be a flag carried by members of the Irish Party on ceremonial occasions, circa 1910.
Provenance: Family of John Redmond, leader of the Irish Party. With a letter of provenance.

Lot 683/7025

John Dillon M.P. to his Leader
[Redmond (John E.)] A good group of five A.L.s. from John Dillon, M.P. (1851-1927), to John Redmond, M.P. Leader of the Irish Party at Westminster, March and April 1908, on mourning paper, concerning Parliamentary business of Irish interest, include. land purchase finance, a Treasury proposal (‘most deplorable’), the Universities Bill, Mr. Birrell’s position (chief Secretary of Ireland 1907 – 16), ref to Redmond’s Home Rule speeches etc., approx. 30pp in all, mostly addressed from 4 Nth. Gt. Georges St., Dublin, but some from Ballaghaderrin, Co. Mayo. A very interesting correspondence. As a m/ss collection, w.a.f. (1)

Lot 683A/7025

Sinn Fein Propaganda Labels
A rare full sheet of “Celtic Cross” Sinn Fein Propaganda Labels, c. 1916. A printed sheet of 72 stamps (8 columns x 9 rows), with blank edging some gaps, glued back.
*Extremely Rare, particularly in blocks. Each label depicts a Celtic Cross with ringed centre, inscribed “Eire” & “Sinn Fein” & decorated with shamrocks. These labels were first printed in 1908 with the intention of attaching them to all Sinn Fein Correspondence on the opposite side to the British postage stamp, as a visible sign of Irish Nationalism, & to raise funds for the Sinn Fein cause. (1)

Lot 684/7025

Civil War Poster
Stop Press – Poblacht Na h-Eireann
O’Connor (Rory) Communique from the Four Courts, 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 28 [1922] “At 3.40 a.m. this morning we received a note signed by Tom Ennis demanding on behalf of “The Government” our surrender at 4 a.m. when he would attack. “He opened attack at 4.07 in the name of his Government, with Rifle, Machine and field pieces.
“THE BOYS ARE GLORIOUS, AND WILL FIGHT FOR THERE PUBLIC TO THE END. HOW LONG WILL OUR MISGUIDED FORMER COMRADES OUTSIDE ATTACK THOSE WHO STAND FOR IRELAND ALONE?”… (Signed)
RORY O’CONNOR, MAJOR GENERAL I.R.A.
A large broadside poster, printed one side only, approx. 48 x 35.5cm. Some creases, slight spotting, otherwise excellent for such a rare item. As a poster, w.a.f. Framed. Extremely Rare.
* This broadside poster, was composed, set & printed just 5 hours after the Free State Troops began their bombardment of the Four Courts. The most significant document of the period, and a most poignant one, in effect announcing the commencement of the Irish Civil War. (1)

Lot 685/7025

Oglaigh na hEireann (The Irish Volunteers)
A very good selection of original Irish Volunteers and related membership cards, all issued to James Mallon or Mallin of 21a (later 8) George’s Quay in Dublin, as follows:
Irish Volunteers. Membership card 1913-14, blue, no. 26, enrolled 4 Dec. 1913, weekly subs. entered to March 1914 with confirming initials;
Irish Volunteers. Membership card 1914, blue, weekly subs. March-June 1914;
Irish Volunteers. Membership card 1914, blue, weekly subs. June-Sept. 1914.
Irish Volunteers. Membership card 1916, blue, weekly subs. 1.2.16-11.4.16 (last sub. dated two weeks before the Rising).
Irish Volunteers. Membership card 1917-18, no. 9183, red, subs. Aug. 1917-May 1918.
Ieish Volunteers. Membership card 1919, no. 49839, green, two subs. Oct.-Nov.
Sinn Fein, An Chomhairle Naisiunta. Membership card 1917, subs. July-Sep., Thomas Davis Craobh.
“1916” Club, 1922. Membership card, green, entrance fee and one subscription paid.
All circa 4 x 3 ins, folding, all in good condition (8).
James Mallon had a hairdressing business at George’s Quay in Dublin; he was married with one son. An early member of the Irish Volunteers, he served in the Rising at Boland’s Mills with ‘B’ company, 3rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade. He was interned afterwards at Frongoch and later at Ballykinlar. After independence he became a Lieutenant in the National Army.
It is very unusual to find so long a run of Volunteer membership cards issued to one individual, as many were lost or destroyed.

Mallon is sometimes described as ‘the Frongoch barber’

Provenance: Mallon family, by descent.

Lot 686/7025

Gen. Michael Collins, Memorial Card
A memorial card, 3 x 1 ¾ ins, with a real photograph attached, within black border, ‘In undying memory of Ireland’s bravest son, Gen. Michael Collins, Commander-in-Chief of the Irish National Army, killed in action at Bealnablath, near Bandon, Co. Cork, on 22nd August 1922, aged 30 years’, religious image verso.
In excellent condition, rare thus.

Lot 687/7025

John O’Mahony, Agent for the Irish Republic
A large engraved Fenian Bond printed in three colours, denomination 20 Dollars, with engraved portraits of Tone and Emmet and a vignette of Erin with harp and hound directing a soldier to turn his sword towards Ireland, issued to William Sherlock, signed by John O’Mahony, Agent for the Irish Republic, dated February 13 1866, approx. 17 x 26 cm, a few small tears neatly repaired, otherwise in very good condition, attractive item.

Lot 688/7025

Fianna Fail Membership Card 1926
A founder’s Fianna Fail membership card dated 12.1.1926, issued to F[rederick] Cronin
of Sullivan’s Quay, Cork. Small green folded card, interior with quotations from Tone and Fintan Lalor, with a full monthly subscription record, January to December.
With a certificate confirming that Frederick J. Cronin is the registered proprietor of five shares in Irish Press Ltd., December 1928, signed by three officers of the company, with some related correspondence.
The stated date of issue of the Fianna Fail card is premature. De Valera withdrew from Sinn Fein in March 1926, and Fianna Fail was not officially launched until early May. Presumably the cards were backdated when issued, perhaps to provide immediate revenue. Founder’s cards are rare.