Michael Collins "Criminal Card" To Be Auctioned

An original “criminal card” for Michael Collins has been discovered and is due to be sold at auction next month.

Issued by British Intelligence during the War of Independence the fold-up, pocket-sized card bears a photo of the man described as the “Chief of IRA organizer of all ambushes and murders”.

The card was designed to brief crown forces about how to spot Collins and provided this description: “Age: about 30; Eyes: dark sharp; Mouth: large drooping; Nose: thick; Hair: black; Ears: long; Build: slim; Height: 5’7’’ or 8’’.

Policemen and soldiers were warned in a series of short “remarks” to be on the alert because Collins “often wears the disguise of a priest” and that “on these occasions he invariably carries an umbrella”.

Interestingly, it also states he “has been known to travel as a nun”.

“He sometimes wears a black moustache, which is false, and often changed for another colour”, the card also noted.

The ‘Big Fella’s’ fearsome reputation was further underlined with a remark that must have terrified those who were searching for his whereabouts: “Collins, who will stop at nothing, is an expert shot.”

At the time Collins was the most wanted man in the British empire. His capture offered a reward of £10,000, which is the equivalent to €360,000 today. He was never captured though and within a year British forces offered a truce and Collins was welcomed into 10 Downing Street for talks that led to the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

Mealy’s rare book and manuscript auctioneers said the card would be auctioned in its sale of Irish republican and historical memorabilia, titled Ireland’s Struggle, in Dublin on April 25th next.

(H)