Lot 289 Ireland

1921 I.R.A. Censored Cover (1st July, various faults incl tears, vertical fold) bearing GB 2d orange tied CDS addr to Dublin received in Dublin on 7th July 1921 bearing three line CENSORED / BY / I.R.A handstamp in violet on the obverse. During the war of Independence the IRA regularly raided post offices, gathering intelligence about police and military personnel activities. The mails were opened and the handstamp applied before returning ordinary mail back to the Post Office. This was done for propaganda purposes. Major faults but still a lovely example of this handstamp.