Webley & Scott automatic pistol, Harry Boland

Webley & Scott automatic pistol, Harry Boland

This Webley & Scott automatic pistol belonged to Harry Boland. Boland was from a strongly nationalist family who were members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. He fought in the 1916 Rising, and was elected as the representative for South Roscommon in the 1918 General Election, taking his seat in the First Dáil. He was a close friend and confidant of Michael Collins, with whom he worked to raise money for the Irish Government through Republican Bonds. He was sent to America as Special Envoy to raise awareness and support for the Republican cause in Ireland, and later fought in the War of Independence.