Padraig Pearse's Irish Volunteers membership card for auction

A unique relic from the time of the Rising is among fascinating lots spanning four centuries of history at Whyte's sale

Padraig Pearse's membership card for The Irish Volunteers at Whyte's.

Padraig Pearses's 1913 membership card for The Irish Volunteers will highlight The History Sale at Whyte's in Dublin on Saturday, November 11. The rarity of this unique relic from the leader of the 1916 Rising inscribed in indelible pencil in his own hand is reflected in an estimate of €150,000-€250,000.

Issued on December 9 it is signed by Pearse and renewals up to January 1914 are initialled by him. Pearse left the Irish Volunteers when the organisation split over John Redmond agreeing to support Britain in the war with Germany.