A typed order of surrender from the 1916 Easter Rising has realised £263,000 ($335,219) at Bonhams London.
That’s more than double its £120,000 ($152,952) estimate.
The document ended the 1916 Easter Rising
This document was one of a handful signed by Patrick Pearse, a leader of the rising, on the afternoon of April 29, 1916 – four days after fighting broke out.
Pearse was a central figure in the struggle for Irish independence.
He wrote much of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic and read it to the assembled crowds from the steps of Dublin’s General Post Office on April 25.
Due to his perceived seniority, he was elected President of the Irish Republic by his comrades. He held this position for less than a week.
The British response to the uprising was swift and brutal, despite the fact the majority of its troops were away fighting in the first world war.
Pearse issued the surrender in an attempt to save civilian lives.
He was taken to England and executed, along with 15 other leaders of the rebellion. Their deaths would not be in vain. Five years later, Britain was forced to recognise Ireland as an independent state.
Kieran O’Boyle, a manuscript specialist at Bonhams, said: “The Order of Surrender is one of the most significant documents in Irish 20th century history, and I am not surprised that it was so keenly sought after, nor that it sold for such an impressive amount.”
Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about book and manuscript auctions.
