relic / Thomas Clarke, Portland Prison, 1898

Thomas Clarke's razor and hone. the razor and hone which belonged to Thomas Clarke, First President of the Irish Republic. The razor is one which he got on leaving Portland Prison in 1898 and used every day until Easter Monday 1916. The hone was acquired at a later period. Mrs. Kathleen Clarke presented them to Mr. Reynolds in memory of his great friendship with her husband and his co-operation with her in the work of the Prisoners' Dependants Fund for which action the British ordered his deportation. Mrs. Clarke's letter to Reynolds of Easter 1918, reading - Cásc, 1918, 31 Richmond Ave., […], Dublin Dear Mr Reynolds, This is the souvenir of Tom which I promised to you, the razor is the one which he got on leaving Portland Prison in 1898, and used every day from that until Easter Monday 1916. The hone he bought at a later period. Both articles were treasured possessions. For that reason I give them to you, having been precious to him and now precious to me, in order to show my appreciation of your friendship with him & your action in associating yourself with me, in the work of the Prisoners Dependents Fund, for which action the British ordered your deportation. I know you will treasure them. With kindest wishes, Your friend, Kathleen Clarke.;