Lock of Michael Collins' hair among collector's items for auction

Rare Harry Potter edition, Tara brooch and a first printing of de Valera's constitution are among other features of a two-day sale

A lock of Michael Collins's hair at Fonsie Mealy.

A lock of Michael Collins' hair, a large Tara brooch, the first edition of the 1843-44 Ordnance Survey Atlas of Co Limerick, a Historic Guide to the White House, 1963 signed by John F. Kennedy, a 1912 Louth All Ireland football winners medal, a first printing of de Valera's new Constitution signed by the cabinet and a rare lady's Blueshirt uniform all feature at Fonsie Mealy's rare book and collectors sale in Castlecomer next Tuesday and Wednesday (July 28 and 29).

Sales like this offer all kinds of everything, from Jack B Yeats illustrations to rare Harry Potter editions, a heavy Webley .44 revolver believed to have belonged to John MacBride, an Irish 20 pence trial piece coin from 1985 and a collection of long-playing records signed by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Roy Rogers and Frankie Laine.