WHYTE'S THE ECLECTIC COLLECTOR TIMED ON-LINE AUCTION 17 MAY TO 7 JUNE 2024

108 History 279 1973 (29 March). A Libyan munitions box, seized from a shipment to the IRA on the MV Claudia by the Irish Naval Service. Wooden box, painted in military grey, which originally contained grenades, interior with Libyan Government label, exterior with arabic inscriptions, stencilled ‘25 GRENS LIBYANWT 24 LBS’ etc. A very rare artefact from the Provisional IRA’s gun running activities. Accompanied by useful notes and letter of provenance 13.50 by 13.50 by 4in. (34.3 by 34.3 by 10.2cm) Provenance: Government of Libya; Provisional IRA; Government of Ireland; A member of the Irish Defence Forces; His son, who has provided a letter of provenance; Private collection. Condition: Very good. The 300-ton MV Claudia was intercepted off Helvick Head, Co Waterford, on 29 March 1973. On board the Naval Service found 250 rifles, 246 bayonets, 243 pistols, 850 magazines, 100 anti-tank mines, 500 grenades, gelignite, TNT, primers, electric fuses and 20,000 rounds of ammunition. These weapons were a gift from Colonel Gadafy. It was later learned that two identical shipments had reached the IRA. Estimate €800-€1,200 (approx £680-£1,030) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot 279 280 1976. Easter Lily badges made in Long Kesh. (3) Crayon on toilet tissue stamped GOVERNMENT (PROPERTY). Rare Condition: Fine Estimate €150-€200 (approx £130-£170) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot 280 281 Circa 1980 IRA ‘court’ statement form. Typescript headlined ‘IRA....BEWARE......IRA.....BEWARE’‘I have been stealing motor bikes.....I have also done houses in the Springfield andWhiterock area’ and ‘This man has been tarred and feathered’. Appears to be a copy as it is not signed by the prisoner. 8 by 8.50in. (20.3 by 21.6cm) Condition: Very good, folds. Estimate €200-€300 (approx £170-£260) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot 281