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1922. “Bonn na Dála 1922” silver medal.
Dublin hallmark, 1922. Maker’s mark of Edmond Johnston, with his distinctive Celtic Revival decoration on
obverse.
Examples of this medal are also known dated 1921. There is no information as to what it was awarded for, the
literal translation being “Award of the Parliament”. It is presumed it was for services rendered to Dáil Éireann in
the year of its issue, and thus is the only medal issued during the War of Independence. A small number appeared
at auction in the last fifteen years, totalling fewer than ten.
Estimate €300-€500 £260-£430
Large Image & Place Bid Lot 9798
1920 (March 25) Letter from Terence MacSwiney to Michael Collins
A one-page autograph letter in black ink on ruled notepaper, with Dáil Éireann hand stamp dated 29 March,
1920. MacSwiney’s reaction to Tomás Mac Curtain’s murder, written five days later. He writes, ‘I am having an
independent report of the inquest taken and will supply you with a copy’, Collins’ assassination squad later hunted
down and killed the police officers involved in the attack. RIC District Inspector Oswald Swanzy, who had ordered
the attack, was shot dead with Mac Curtain’s own revolver while leaving a church in Lisburn, County Antrim on
22 August 1920. Macswiney ends with an assurance that ‘we are calm and resolute’. Tipped onto linen-backed
paper.
On 20 March 1920 Tomás Mac Curtain, Sinn Fein Lord Mayor of Cork, was shot dead in front of his wife and son
by a group of men with blackened faces, who were found to be members of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) by
the official inquest into the event. His successor to the position of Lord Mayor was Terence MacSwiney, author of
this letter.
Estimate €2000-€3000 £1,710-£2,560
Large Image & Place Bid Lot 98