147
1908. Sinn Féin postage stamps - block of 21.
Estimate:
€100 - €150
Sold
€120
Timed Auction
The Eclectic Collector - Timed Auction
Description
Description: Bottom two rows, unused. MacDonnell Whyte catalogue value €315.
Note: Commissioned by Arthur Griffith and designed by Lily Williams this stamp depicted the Cross of Cong with "ÉIRE" at centre. Sinn Féin members paid a halfpenny each for the stamps and affixed them to letters as a propaganda exercise. Some nationalists would not reply to a letter unless the sender affixed one of these stamps to the envelope. The 1908 Post Office Act outlawed their use after protests by MPs in the House of Commons. Their use continued however up to 1916 and after. The Cross of Cong design was adapted by the Irish Free State for some values of Irish definitive postage stamps- 3d, 10d and 11d - which were in use up to 1968.
Note: Commissioned by Arthur Griffith and designed by Lily Williams this stamp depicted the Cross of Cong with "ÉIRE" at centre. Sinn Féin members paid a halfpenny each for the stamps and affixed them to letters as a propaganda exercise. Some nationalists would not reply to a letter unless the sender affixed one of these stamps to the envelope. The 1908 Post Office Act outlawed their use after protests by MPs in the House of Commons. Their use continued however up to 1916 and after. The Cross of Cong design was adapted by the Irish Free State for some values of Irish definitive postage stamps- 3d, 10d and 11d - which were in use up to 1968.
Condition
A couple of tone spots, original gum, fine.
