PREVIEW: BRITISH & IRISH BANKNOTES: 11 MARCH

An extraordinary rarity in this sale comes in the form of an unissued banknote from the National Bank Limited of Belfast accompanied by the letter of appointment of the bank’s manager.

The appointment came just before the 1916 Easter Uprising in Dublin that was to lead to the creation of the Irish Free State.

 

Written from the National Bank’s London headquarters in Old Broad Street, it was addressed to a Mr F.H. Green by the bank’s secretary, a Mr Lockyer. Dated March 11, 1916, it reads: “Dear Sir, I have the pleasure to acquaint you that Board have appointed you Manager at Belfast, with a salary of £250 per annum from 1st proximo in place of Mr F. Scroope about to retire on pension.”

The pro forma letter continues by setting out what the Board expects from its managers and requesting copies of Mr Green’s signature.

That signature was to appear on an uncirculated £1 from 13 years later, dated 6 May 1929, and with the serial number 000002. Fresh and original, it has been guided at £3,000-3,600.