NEW YORK, NY.- Spink will offer for sale The Liberty Collection on the 27th 28th January 2016, a most comprehensive collection of medals, historical documents, uniforms and other artefacts relating to the 1916 Easter Rising and Irelands subsequent Fight for Independence from England in 1917-21. Fortuitously, sale of this collection will coincide with the 100th Anniversary. The collection will be offered as part of the Numismatic Collectors Series Sale in New York.
What makes this collection so exciting and unique is that it contains medals from both sides of the conflict, and even a number of rarities not often seen. There is an impressive run of Irish 1916 Medals, including no fewer than three original named medals to casualties. Amongst this superb selection of casualty medals is one awarded to Thomas O'Reilly, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers, who served during the 1916 Easter Rising with the General Post Office Garrison and was mortally wounded. This stunning example is estimated to sell for $15,000 20,000.
The collection also features a number of British medal groups, including the honours and awards to Brigadier-General William Lowe, C.B., who commanded the British forces in Dublin during the Easter Rising of 1916 and received the surrender of the Irish republican forces. Previously he had commanded his regiment during the Boer War, where he was twice mentioned in despatches. The estimated worth of his medal reflects the hard work and diligence at $15,000 20,000.
Amongst the more interesting artefacts in the sale is the original Warrant appointing Sir John French as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland; and the Presidential car pennant belonging to Sean OKelly, President of Ireland 1945-59, whose 1916 Medal and 1917-21 Service Medal is estimated at $12,000 15,000.
The catalogue for this sale will be available online, on the Spink App and in printed form from early January 2016. Spink looks forward to welcoming collectors old and new to what is guaranteed to be a very impressive sale.