Northern Ireland

Irish auctioneers defend decision to sell rocket launcher similar to those used during the Troubles

The RPG-7 was 'used by the Provisional IRA in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 1998'. Picture by Whyte's Auctioneers
The RPG-7 was 'used by the Provisional IRA in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 1998'. Picture by Whyte's Auctioneers The RPG-7 was 'used by the Provisional IRA in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 1998'. Picture by Whyte's Auctioneers

AN Irish auctioneers last night defended its decision to sell a rocket launcher similar to those used during the Troubles.

Whyte's Auctioneers is selling a RPG-7 rocket launcher with two inert rocket-propelled grenades, inert booster rocket and accessories.

The decommissioned weapon has an estimated price tag of between €4,000 and €6,000. It forms part of its 'eclectic collector' sale.

The Whyte's catalogue states that the Bulgarian-made RPG-7 was the type "used by the Provisional IRA in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 1998" and will be offered for sale on April 6.

It was decommissioned in Birmingham in 2013.

Ian Whyte from the auctioneers last night defended the sale of the weapon, which he said came from a collection belonging to a republican collector.

He told RTÉ's News at One "it is part of history", adding that a number of similar firearms have been bought by museums such as the Ulster Museum.

"We sell all sorts of weapons once they are decommissioned and can't be used again," he said.