24 April 2012 - Rare Book Sale

#0217

Lot 1210/0217

Bond: 1865-67 [Fenian Rising] It is hereby Certified that- The Irish Republic, Twenty Dollars, issued by Continental Bank, New York, signed John O’Mahony, with vingette portraits of T. Wolfe Tone and Robert Emmett, Nos. 591 – 1410, approx. 7 1/2″ x 11″, creased, otherwise fine. Scarce. (1)

Lot 1211/0217

“Poblacht Na hEireann. A Proclamation”
By the 1st D.C.B.B. Republic. A printed document, letterpress, A-4, headed as above, containing a parody of the 1916 Proclamation, proclaiming ‘the 1st D.C.B.B. Republic a Sovereign, Independent, Free and Indefeesibe State.. Signed on behalf of the PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT, / PRESIDENT R. ROGERSCHE / COMMANDANT-GNEERAL Von Papen / COMMANDANT-GENERAL Carl Corbetche,’ etc.
(1st Dublin Company of the Boys’ Brigade (hence the initials D.C.B.B.). Presumably R. Rogersche, Carl Corbetche etc., can be identified as thinly disguised members of the 1st Dublin Company. An interesting item, which indicates some familiarity with the terms of the original Proclamation. The Boys’ Brigade, a junior unit of the Salvation Army, would have been strongly opposed to its claims. Probably unique.

Lot 1212/0217

The Boys’ Brigade
A folio leather-backed Album containing programmes, booklets, tickets, newscuttings, an original photograph and a few original letters relating to the 1st Dublin Company of the Boys’ Brigade (a junior section of the Salvation Army), mostly circa 1914-17, including a telegram from Salonika and newscuttings about “The Pals” at the Dardanelles. A mounted photograph laid in shows about 50 middle-aged men, inscribed rear ‘Conference of Presidents & Secretaries 1948’.
An interesting record of a forgotten organisation.

Lot 1213/0217

The Ulster Campaign 1913-15

Scrapbook: A very good quality quarto Album, mor. backed, containing over 100 original photographs, a few postcards, original printed covenants, some postes and news-cuttings, illustrating the Ulster Covenant Campaign and the U.V.F.’s first and second camps at Baron’s Court 1913-14, many very good photographs of the Ulster Volunter Hospital at Villa Beaupre, Pau, 1914-18, showing nurses, patients, and doctors, the latter part apparently compiled ‘by a Nurse Stronge,’ (manuscript birthday card from ‘The Boys of “A” Ward 4,’ 17.5.18, laid in at rear). A high quality compilation, excellent original photographs throughout, of professional quality though apparently not professionally taken. A very valuable record. As an Album, w.a.f. (1)

Lot 1214/0217

The Ulster Unionists & Politics

A very good and important colleciton of varied items relating to Unionist & Northern Ireland Politics, including:
* An original Photograph of Sir Edward Carson signing “The Covenant” at Belfast City Hall, 1912.
* Original signature of Sr. Ed. Carson, signed on 12th July 1912, on printed notepaper for (The Temple) 3, Dr. Johnson’s Buildings.
* Luncheon Menu for Cutting of First Sod for New Reservoir Works in Silent Valley, Mourne Moutnins, Oct. 10th, 1923, signed, by Carson of Cuncairn, James Craig, Cecil Craig & Ruby Carson.
* Sheet Music, Ulster Song, (with Unison Chorus) written by Wm. Wallace, set to Music by Chas. Villiers Stanford.
* A rare Unkionist Song Book, A Move at Last! The ‘Triumph’ Illustrated Unionist Poems. Oblong 8vo, with port. of Carson etc.
* An original copy, Ulster’s Solemn League and Convenant, signed.
* Official Programme, The Ulser Unionist Demonstration, 1912, illustrated pamphlet. V. good.
* An original Badge, metal and embroideed silk, worn on the occaison.
* A rare pamphlet, The Chorinciles of East Belfast, by Argus 1.
* Pamphlet – With The Gun-Runners of Ulster (1914), illus. orig. wrappers, scarce.
* Booklet, Carson (W.A.) Ulser and the Irish Republic, signed by H.B. Ribbon, Sept. 1957, boards.
* Printed Petition of prisoners (includ. Thos. Williams) for clemency in the case of the death of Constable Parick Murphy, c. 1942.
* Various later pamphlets on H. Block, & others relating to modern politics in Northern Ireland, and many other smaller items postcards, cigarette cards, bookmark, ballad sheet, a reproduction of The Irish Proclamation. As a lot, w.a.f.
& A very interesting and scarce collection.

Lot 1215/0217

Attributed to Micheal Lawlor (1840-1920)

Redmond (John), a cast iron Plaque of John Redmond, with side profile view, the obverse with various Celtic motifs, provincial arms, the reverse inscribed, manufactured by Booth & Brookes Ltd., Burnham on Crouch, 1914, Reg. No. 635668, Sole Ag. George Norton, Henry St.. Attractive & Scrace. (1)

Lot 1216/0217

The Prophetic thoughts of “Meagher of The Sword”

Meagher (Thomas Francis) An original manuscript verse of eight lines in pen and ink, and signed in the hand of Thomas Francis Meagher, as ‘President of the Grattan Confederate Club of Dublin’ at Richmond Bridewell, Dec. 18th, 1848.
‘In my boyhood I had a strange feeling
that I would die in the noon of my day –
Not quietly with the silent grave stealing
But ton, like a blasted oak, sudden away.
With this feeling upon me, all feverish and glowing,
I rushed up the rugged path, panting, to Fame –
I snatched at my laurels while yet they were growing
And won for my portion the half of a name.’
On a single sheet, one side only, torn at folds. Together with a copy of Thomas Davis’ “Literary and Historical Essays,” 1846, signed in preliminaries with another verse by Thomas Francis Meagher, member of the Irish Confederation, and also Kevin Izod O’Doherty, Richmond Prison, and with further inscriptions by Meagher within. In need of rebinding, upr. cover detached, lower cover lacking, w.a.f.
* A most interesting lot, with Meaghers original prophetic verse. Ex. Rare. (2)

Lot 1217/0217

The Young Irelanders in Richmond Prison
Magnificent Association Copy

Association Copy: The Spirit of the Nation, Ballads and Songs by the Writers of ‘The Nation’ with Original and Ancient Music. 4to D. (James Duffy) 1846. First Edn. add. wd. cut illus. title, a.e.g. fine cont. full green mor. with gilt line borders., elaborate gilt tooled panels & central fountain, on both covers, sim. tooled gilt spine, rebacked with orig. laid down. Binding possibly by Duffy, Dublin, in a later marbled slip case. V. good.
A most desirable item.
* The front paste-downs and loose blanks inscribed profusely by ‘The Young Irelanders’ includ., a fine 8 line Poem by Thomas Francis Meagher, signed and dated Jan. 1st, 1849; a 3 line quotation, etc., by Terence Bellew Mc Manus, signed and dated 1st Jan. 1849; and also signed and dated by William Smith O’Brien, Kevin Izod O’Doherty, Patrick O’Donoghue, and John Martin, brother in law of John Mitchel. These members of Young Ireland were incarcerated in Richmond Prison after the failed Rising of 1848.
As an Association Copy, w.a.f. (1)

Lot 1218/0217

Funeral of O’Donovan Rossa, 1915

An extremely rare Black and purple silk Funeral Sash with leather backing which was worn by Daniel Tynan, B. Company, First Dublin Battalion, Irish Republican Army, who served as Volunteer at the funeral of O’Donovan Rossa in 1915. a few small ripes, otherwise a very good example of this rare item. Together with a soiled copy of Diarmuid O’Donnabhain Rossa 1831 – 1915, Souvenir of the Public Funeral to Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, August 1st, 1915. As a lot. (2)

Lot 1219/0217

ORIGINAL PRINTING OF THE ‘CASTLE DOCUMENT’
A copy of what appears to be the original printing of the so-called ‘Castle Document’, printed on Wednesday of Holy Week 1916 (the week before the Easter Rising) by George Plunkett (brother of Joseph Mary) and Colm O Lochlainn on a hand-press at the Plunkett farm at Larkfield near Kimmage. Single sheet, printed recto only, 9 5/16 x 7 3/16 ins (237 x 182 mm), commencing ”The cipher from which this document is copied does not indicate punctuation or capitals. / ‘the following precautionary measures ..”
The document has no title. After the opening line the text is set entirely in lower case, without punctuation apart from two rows of dots (to indicate a break). On rear is a pencilled inscription, with corrections, in what is reported to be that of Thomas Ashe: ‘The following / Official Document which / has reached / us in / cipher needs no comment. The “precautions” / taken in ’98 were simplicity / itself compared to them.’
This document purports to contain plans for a pre-emptive round-up of Volunteer leaders and sympathisers by the British authorities, supposedly obtained in cipher by Joseph Mary Plunkett (Director of Intelligence for the Volunteers) from a source in Dublin Castle, decoded by him and given to the printers who set up the type in Larkfield. Copies of the printed document were shown to Eoin MacNeill and others, to persuade them that there was no alternative to proceeding with a Rising.
In MacNeill’s case it was initially successful, though he changed his mind a few days later after the failure of Casement’s arms landing. By keeping MacNeill on board until the weekend, the document may have influenced the course of Irish history. It certainly added to the confusion and tension in the days before the Rising. There has been controversy about its authenticity, and MacNeill later believed it was a fake, but a recent assessment by Professor Charles Townshend concludes that it was based on a genuine British plan, though perhaps ‘spiced up’ by Plunkett to give it greater immediacy.
The British authorities denied that any such plan existed, and tried to suppress the document; but it was read out at a meeting of Dublin Corporation, and published in ‘New Ireland’ on the Saturday before the Rising. A leaflet was distributed in Dublin titled ‘Secret Orders Issued to Military Officers’, with similar text in a different type-setting, dimensions 195 x 125 mms. A few copies of this leaflet have come to light (there are two in TCD), but this is the only copy we can trace of what must be the original Larkfield printing. None is recorded by COPAC, and this may be a unique surviving copy.
The hand-press at Larkfield was originally owned by Thomas MacDonagh. He passed it on to Joseph Mary Plunkett, who added to it and used it to print his ‘Sonnets to Columba’ and some other items.
See Colm O Lochlainn’s article in Irish Book Lover, March 1954; Prof. Charles Townshend, History Ireland vol. 14 no. 2; Eoin MacNeill, Memorandum II (MacNeill papers, UCD). (1)
* This is the only example extant, probably unique.
Provenance: The Ashe Family to the Present Vendor.

Lot 1220/0217

Easter Week: The Second War Bulletin

“The Provisional Governemtn ito the Citizens of Dublin.” The Provisional Government of the Irish Republic salutes the Citizens of Dublin on the omentous occasion of the proclamation of a Sovereign Independent irish State now in course of being established by Irishmen in Arms.
“The Republican forces hold the lines taken up at Twelve noon on Easter Monday, and nowhere, despite fierce and almost continous atacts of the British troops, have the lines been broken through. The country is rising in answer to Dublin’s call, and the final achievement of Ireland’s freedom is now, with God’s help, only a matter of days –
“We have lived to see an irish Republic proclaimed. May we live to establish it firmly, and may our children and our children’s children enjoy the happiness and prosperity which freedom will bring.
“Signed on behalf of the Provisional Government, P.H. Perase, Commanding in Chief the Forces of the Irish Republic and President of the Provisional Government.”
Handbill, single sheet, newsprint, printed one side only, a few minor flaws in the type, the sheet 8 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ (22.2cms x 14cms), printed surface 8″ x 4 3/4″ (20.2cms x 11.7cms).
This is the “Second Bulletin” printed by Joseph Stanley in Halston Street, on Tuesday night of Easer Week, after Pearse and Connolly had decided not to print a second full issue of “Irish War News,” as originally intended. According to Stanley’s biorpahy by Tom O’Reilly, a supply of printed copies was taken to the GPO by Stanley himself on Wednesday, when he met James Connolly. This is probably one of these copies.
This “Second Bulletin” is the scarcest printed document of Easter Week. it is reproduced in Stanley’s biography, p43, from a negative proof copy (presumably there was no positive copy available in the Stanley Archive). The manuscript text, in Pearse’s hand throughout and much amended, is in the Stanley Archive (now inthe National Museum). (1)

Lot 1221/0217

The Irish Republic – Irish War News

Irish Rebellion: Vol. I No. 1 Irish War News, Dublin, Tuesday April 25, 1916. [Second day of the Easter Rising.’ Sm. 4to single folded sheet, browned as usual, a few straight folding tears, edges somewhat frayed, but generally a good copy of a very frail and very scarce item.
* This was the only publication known to have been printed in the area controlled by the Rebels during the Rising, in a commandeered print works in Halston Street. The material in pages 1-3 may have been prepared in advance, but the ‘Stop Press’ column on page 4, headed ‘The Irish Republic, could not have been written before Tuesday morning as stated. Written by Pearse while under fire in the GPO, it names the members of the Provisional Government, and gives some details (mainly accurate) of the fighting to date. ‘At the moment of writing this report (9.30 a.m., Tuesday) the Republican forces hold all their positions and the British forces have nowhere broken through. There has been heavy and continuous fighting for nearly 24 hours, the casualties of the enemy being much more numerous than those on the Republican side. The Republican forces everywhere are fighting with splendid gallantry ..’ It is printed on the lightest of newsprint, and surviving copies are often in poor condition. The example here is a very good copy of this extremely scarce item. (2)

Lot 1222/0217

Eamonn Ceannt’s Saftey Razor
An original steel Safety Razor in black horn casting, maker P. Mc Givney, 41 Henry Street, Dublin, circa 1900, excellent quality (still sharp), inscribed (by scratching) on casing ‘E.T. Kent 11.11.01’ in related leather case also stamped Mc Givney, the case signed twice ‘E. Ceannt’, in Eamonn Ceannt’s hand.
Eamonn Ceant from Glenamaddy, Co. Galway a signatory of the 1916 Proclamation, was executed by firing squad at Kilmainham, 8 May 1916.
Caution is advised in handling this item; the razor could still draw blood. (1)

Lot 1223/0217

Nathan (Sir Matthew), British Undersecretary in Dublin during the 1916 Rising. Autograph Note, 4pp foolscap (two sheets), on Athenaeum notepaper, signed initials, dated 26/10, probalby 1916 [headed ‘Note of Conversation’, concerning a discussion ‘on Tuesday last the 24th inst. after dining with Miss. J.R. Green’ (the historian Alice Stopford Green). ‘She said she had ascertained who was the author of the forged document which had been read at the City Council and hd done so much to stir up the rebellion, hand that my anger at it would be greater if I knew the name of the author. i did not ask that & she did not tell me..’ (this refersto the so-called ‘Castle Document’, published at Joseph Mary Plunkett’s instigation some days before the Easter Rising – see a copy of the original printing, elsewhere in the sale, Lot 1219).
Also mentions Mrs. Green’s discussions with John (Eoin) Mc Neill about the events leading up to the Rising, and her views about Roger Casement’s intentions on this return to Ireland in a German submarine. ‘Mrs. Green.. said that Roger Casement had come to ireland to stop the Rising, being satisfied that the Gormans who sent him across in a valueless submarine had no intention todo more than embarrass England by the effect that they were sure would result from the severity with which any rising would be put down..’
A most interesting document. Nathan was widely blamed for not taking action to forestall the 1916 Rising, and resigned his position on 3 May. (1)

Lot 1224/0217

1916 & War of Independence, Co. Galway

Co. Galway: A very good set of MEdals, awarded to Volunteer Patrick Walsh (Glaway City). The colleciton includes:
– 1916 MEdal, the obverse with fallen Cuchulain, ronze, with green and orange ribon and clasp together with original box;
– 1917-21 Service Medal (War of Independence) with Comhrac Bar, and blakc and amber ribbon and clasp.
– 1916-66 Survivors Medal, issued on silver gilt with green, white and gold ribbon and clasp.
– 1921-71, War of Independence Medal with ribbon and sclasp.
– 1916 Cloth/Poplin Armband in green and gold with label.
A most attractive and complete Set. Rare.

Lot 1225/0217

Important Set of Irish Service Medals and Certificates

Fallon (Robert) A very good set of Irish Service Medals awarded to Robert Fallon, inlcuding:
* Fianna Eireann miniature Jubilee Medal 1909 – 1959. These were issued to Fianna members who participated in the War of Independence.
* Original Fianna Eireann named Certificate, dam., but extremely scarce.
* 1917 – 1921 service Medal, with Presidential presentation slip;
* 1939 – 1946 “Seirbhis Naisuinta” Medal with two bars;
* Original named ‘Seirbhis Naisuinta,’ Certificate;
* An Oglaigh na hEireann Cap Badge;
* An original Photograph of Robert Fallon, name on reverse.
A rare and attractive collection, as a lot, w.a.f. (1)

Lot 1226/0217

Poster: 1916 Leaders, Powell Press, a large Poster depicting the various leaders of te 1916 Easter Rising, such as Mac Donagh, Pearse, Conolly, Colbert, Plunkett ec., each with details of sentence underneath photo, depicitng 16 figures, some wear and loss at edges, approx. 61cms x 39cms, as a poster, w.a.f. Scarce. (1)

Lot 1227/0217

Waterford Interest

Sexton (Thomas) A very good collection of six A.L.S. to Edmund Downey of Waterford, 1914-1929, mentioning various Waterford personalities known to both of them, and including an interesting letter dated 17.10.1919 concerning the future of the ‘Freeman’s Jounral’, for which he reports ‘no tender .. has been lodged’, discussing some of the posible bidders, etc. (Sexton had been manager of the Freeman’s Journal 1892 – 1912, also a Parnellite MP, etc.).
Other letters mention Waterford personalities including Wallace (project for a statue), the novelist Richard Dowling, etc.; and a letter dated 31.10.(19)28 includes a three-page obituary by Sexton of Judge Martin Keogh (of the United States Supreme Court), a boyhood friend at Sexton’s in Waterford. ‘He and I were fellow-members of the Waterford Youn Men’s Society, and associates in its Debating Club. I believe he was the last survivor, except myself, of that little band of hearty comrades.’
A very good and inteesting collection. (6)

Lot 1228/0217

“Until our Turn Arrives”

O’Ceallaigh (Sean T.) A very good A.L.S. to A Chara Dhil (Edmund Downey of Waterford) dated 23.7.(19)24, mentioning arrangements to send him a copy o a speech by the President (De Valera), and concluding ‘The Reception was truly wonderful and inspirin. It gladdened the hearts of all participants and of all who were fortunate enough to see it even from a distance. it was like the good old days of 1918-1921.’ Signed ‘De bhuan chara / Sean T.’ (This evidently referes to the reception for De Valera after his release from jail, July 1924). With a TL.S. to Downey on Sinn Fein notepaper, July 31st 1924, signed S.T. O’Ceallaigh. ‘The apathy you complain of has been fairly eneral during the past few months, but I am confident that the release of the President will make for a big change and I think I already see signs of the renewed confidence with which it has inspired the whole country… I think it is too soon yet to initiate the action you sugest taking against those repsonsible for the burning of your premises. you would get no justice as matters stand. you must only try to keep your business going as best you can until our turn arrives.’
Also with a signed card dated 18.6.25, new Work, introducing ‘ a good freind of the cause – Captain Jones of Tampa, Florida.’ (3)
Sean T. O’Ceallaigh was staff captian to pearse during the 1916 Rising. Later he was Ceann Comhairle of the First Dail, a Minister in successive Fianna Fail governemnts, and twice elected President of Ireland.

Lot 1229/0217

“Torn from their Pedestals”

O’Ceallaigh, (Sean T.) A very good TLS to Edmund Downey of Waterford, 10.2.1927, 2pp (single sheet), on Fianna Fail notepaper but crossed out, substituting his personal address, referring to ‘the barefaced robbery as well as gross injury which you and yours had suered at the hands of the Free State reptiles.. It will be the most complete of all revenges to be spared to see these denegades torn from thier pedestals by an indignant people and cast back into the oblivion they ought never to have been brought out of.
‘From what you know of my opinion of figis, you will know that I was not surprised by at the end he met. I was only surprised that his sins found him out so soon..
‘I fear we must try to fight the General Election without a daily paper. I see no chance of getting the money necessary for such a venture. This however should not make us despair.. To help in educating the public I have dicided to bring out on my own account a new weekly paper.. in a month or so.’ He also discusses various plans for what Fianna Fail will do in governemtn. With a second TLS, on Fianna Fail paper, 28.2.1927, agian referring to his project of a weekly paper.
Darrell Figis, formerly Hon. Sec. of Sinn Fein, died in London apparently by his own hand.’ (2)