Lot 3544

Description

New Zealand, Reserve Corps of New Zealand, one mark banknote style promissory note, possibly a WWI or earlier issue, numbered 666 top and bottom on front and back at top corners in a circle, one marked with an X and below DCLXVI (Roman numerals for 666), signed on front 'Sam Temple' as Marksman, various other forms of symbolism on note. Extremely fine and very rare.

In shooting terms 666 is representative of 6 shots standing, 6 shots kneeling and 6 shots prone (i.e. lying full length). The Marksman is the person making the target scores of the shooter. The Sam Temple mentioned is possibly Private S.Temple of the Kihikihi Contingent of Waikato Mounted Rifles who was involved in shooting competitions. He was named as one of the 'Marksmen' for the New Zealand Rifle Association meeting in January 1891.