WHYTE'S THE ECLECTIC COLLECTOR 5 MAY 2018

EdgedWeapons THE ECLECTIC COLLECTOR · 5 MAY 2018 AT 11AM 310 Revenue Police sword. A Victorian 1845-pattern sword, the curved, pipe- back blade on gothic bronze hilt with oval badge, ‘Revenue Police’ on a band with crown, the blade etched with sprays of shamrock and a crowned sprig of shamrock with ‘Revenue’ and ‘Police’ above and below. Scarce. Total length 38in. (96.5cm) Provenance: Auction of the Estate of Thomas Roe, Dundalk where purchased by Joe Donovan, antique dealer, from whom purchased by the current owner. Formed in 1832 to enforce the unpopular excise laws, the Irish Revenue Police’s duties involved the detection of illegal liquor stills and the capture of their operators who were attempting to avoid the payment of excise duty on their product. The distillation of poitín, was widespread and lucrative and the heavily armed Revenue Police met fierce opposition from its inception. The Revenue Police patrolled in bands of twenty to thirty men. It was not unusual for them to come under fire from not only illegal still operators but in some instances from the inhabitants of districts which they patrolled. In June 1833, after surprising a group making the illicit drink, the Revenue Police brought two men into custody. As the captives were being transported back to Crossmolina, County Mayo, the Revenue Police were set upon by country people who attempted to rescue the prisoners. One man was shot dead during the clash. A more vicious scene took place on an island in the River Shannon, between counties Longford and Roscommon the same year. The Revenue Police had just seized 800 barrels of illegal malt when up to twelve boats of armed men challenged them. Several police were seriously wounded by gunfire and an attacker was killed. Estimate €200-€300 approx (£170-£260 approx.) Click Here for Large Images & To Bid 310