Lot 1739

Description

P.R.R.V.S. (Pokeno Rangers Rifle Volunteers), handcrafted in silver (50g, 38mm square), no maker (Carl Schwartze, Auckland), ring top suspension, inscribed on obverse 'Champion/Cross/Of/P.R.R.V.S./1874'. Very fine and very rare.

From the "Auckland Star", 3rd July, 1874. Courtesy National Library of New Zealand - Papers Past.

The firing for the Champion Cross, presented by Captain Porter and Lieut. Diviani, to the Pokeno Rangers Rifle Volunteer Company, came off on Saturday last, the distances being 300, 400, 500 and 600 yards; five shots at each range; no trial shot. Some good shooting was made by some of the young men, Corporal M.Gallery and Volunteer T.McGinity keeping very close together. At the 600 yards Gallery passed McGinity, and became the winner of the Cross by two points. It is a very handsome silver Cross made by Mr Schwartze, of Auckland, to whom great credit is due for the workmanlike manner in which he turned it out. After the firing the Company paraded for their monthly inspection by Major Lusk, and the district prize money was paid. The Pokeno Rangers took five prizes - two for the Company and three to the Cadets. After parade Captain Porter paid the capitation to both men and Cadets.

With research.