Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers RARE BOOK & COLLECTORS SALE 6th & 7th, December 2022

93 Fonsie Mealy’s Est. 1934 585. Michael Collins’ Personal Copy Collins (Michael) His Personal Copy of Thom’s Official Directory, 1922, specially bound for him in full red morocco, gilt and with his name ‘M. O’Coileain,’ in gilt letters on upper cover. In excellent condition. (1) *A superb association item, which Collins must have consulted frequently in his successive capacities as Chairman of the Provisional Government. Minister for Finance, and Commander-in-Chief of the Free State Army, before his untimely death on a country road in Co. Cork on 22 August 1922. Of the utmost rarity, items which can be definitively certified as having belonged to Collins personally are extremely rare, since his lifestyle did not lend itself to accumulation of property. Provenance: The family of the late General Michael Collins, to the present vendor. €3000 - €4000 586. The Big Fella’s Seal of Approval [Collins, Michael]. His Pocket Seal, with engraved letters M.C (in reverse), the base of stepped circular construction, with shaped agate handle, with a later receptacle attached (handle not fitting perfectly) height about 2 ins, the oval base about ½ in. diam. Collins was always in a hurry, and this item may have been carried by him to seal official documents. A most attractive item, a memento of the most effective and efficient of all the Volunteer leaders. (1) Provenance: Kathleen Napoli McKenna, Republican & Administrator to Arthur Griffith & Michael Collins, to the present vendor. €2000 - €3000