Michael Collins’ gift for barman who kept his cool

This late 19th century walking cane with sturdy ebonised shaft and silver-plated handle comes with a letter of provenance stating that it had been a gift from Irish revolutionary soldier and politician Michael Collins (1890-1922) to Patrick Baker, head barman at the Gresham Hotel in Dublin.

It came by descent for sale at Irish auction house Fonsie Mealy (23% buyer’s premium inc VAT) on D…

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