Lot 2941

Description

Auckland Artillery Volunteers, 1871, in hand engraved silver (45x35mm), no maker, two lug suspension, obverse inscribed 'Auckland Artillery Volunteers/1st Prize/Gunner J.C.Davies/Presented by/Gunner R.W.Dent/10th April 1871'. Very fine, a very rare and early Colonial military prize medal.

From 'New Zealand Herald', 11th April 1871. Courtesy National Library of New Zealand - Papers Past.

'Volunteer Prize Firing - Artillery Volunteers - Class & Company Firing - The members of the Artillery Volunteers yesterday proceeded to the butts, Point Chevalier, for the purpose of competing for a number of prizes as mentioned below. The day was somewhat boisterous, the wind blowing strongly the whole day from the south-west, with occasional showers of rain. The following are the prizes which were competed for, with the names of the winners: - 1st Prize, the Prize Belt. presented by Gunner Dent, with ?2 added, won by Gunner Davies; 2nd prize, gold-mounted greenstone sword, gift of F.H.Lewisson, value ?5, Gunner Alderton; 3rd prize, silver Maltese cross, with ?1 10s added, Gunner Goudey; 4th prize, telescope, gift of Captain Featon, with ?1 10s added, won by Sergeant Watson; 5th prize, ?1 10s, Gunner Harrison; 6th prize, ?1, won by Bombadier Payne; 7th prize, 15s, Gunner Skinner. The firing party was in charge of Lieutenant Powley. Captain Featon and the band arrived on the ground about 12 o'clock. The ranges were 150, 200, and 250 yards. The corps passed a vote of thanks to the public for the handsome manner in which they came forward with their subscriptions on this occasion. There was a good substantial lunch provided, and about 42 members of the corps were present.'

With research.