THE ECLECTIC COLLECTOR 6 APRIL 2025

130 211 1923-1931. Secret archive compiled by the IRA concerning Irish prisoners in English and Irish Jails or camps. I.R.A. Prisoners: A large file containing 100 documents concerning IRA prisoners in Ireland and England, and efforts to improve their conditions or secure their release, 1923 - 31, including printed leaflets calling attention to their situation, and a collection of related news cuttings. Includes a cyclostyled appeal on IRA notepaper from Conchubhar Luasaigh, Director of Medical Services, 23 October, 1923, concerning ‘the imminent disaster of close on 8000 prisoners hunger-striking to death’; copies of communications to D(irector) M(edical) S(ervice) from prisoners in various camps about their treatment, Dec. 1923; manuscript and typescript lists of Republican prisoners in various jails 1928 - 29; correspondence about Irish prisoners in Britain; a manuscript report on Irish prisoners in Maidstone, Aug. 1929; correspondence from Cumann na mBan about prisoners; a circular to ‘All Members of the Free State Usurping Parliament,’ March 1930; and a multiplicity of similar items. A unique primary source for historians and students. Condition: Generally very good to fine. Provenance: Maurice (Moss) Twomey Archive; Adam’s, 18 April 2012; Private collection Maurice I(Moss) Twomey (1897-1978) was an Irish republican and the longest serving chief of staff of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He fought in both the War of Independence and the Civil War under Liam Lynch. In 1924-1925 he became involved in the reorganisation of the IRA. During 1926 he was acting IRA chief of staff and in 1927, he was confirmed in that position and held it until May 1936. Estimate €500-€700 (approx £420-£580) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot 211 212 1924 (14 July) a print of Kevin O’Higgins with his signature. The image is a reprint from a newspaper and inscribed “le meas mór Caoimgin Ó h-Uigín”. It shows O’Higgins with a boy at a prizegiving. 5 by 3in. (12.7 by 7.6cm) Condition: Fine, attractively framed and glazed. Estimate €100-€150 (approx £80-£130) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot 212