MacDonnell Whyte’s forthcoming sale at the Hilton Hotel, Claremont Place, D.2. on Saturday 9th August offers a feast of goodies for collectors’ and features several examples of the ultra rare “Captain Jack White” 60c stamp that An Post pulled on the morning of issue. The stamp was issued to commemorate the centenary of the formation of the Irish Citizen Army and featured a platoon of ICA men with the head of Captain White superimposed on main picture.

It was believed that the man in the photo was Captain Jack White, a former British Army Officer who, in 1913, volunteered to train the Irish Citizen Army.  This photograph had been published, without challenge, in academic books and periodicals over many years, including the highly regarded publications History Ireland and The Irish Civil War. However, just ahead of the stamp issue date, an historian disputed the veracity of the image saying that the man in the photograph was not Captain Jack White.  Given the doubts raised An Post pulled the stamp on the morning of issue – 23rd January 2014 – with only a tiny number being sold across the counter.

One has since sold on eBay on the 17th May for a tidy $1.226.51 – I predict a feeding frenzy.

Lots more here: https://www.glenstephens.com/snjuly14.html

An Post issued a revised 60c stamp on April 17th showing an image of the Irish Citizen Army at Croydon Park, Dublin sans ‘Captain White’ – pictured below.

Catalogues for what promises to be a very exciting auction are available from auctioneers at the address below – price €10 including p+p.

MacDonnell Whyte Ltd.,

102 Leinster Road, Dublin.6.

Tel: (01) 497 7449

Email: mdwltd@eircom.net