GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY 886


The important New Zealand Cross pair awarded to Private Thomas Adamson, Corps of Guides and Wanganui Rangers, a noted Bushman and Scout who adopted the Maori way of life - ‘as barbaric a figure as any Maori warrior’


NEW ZEALAND CROSS, silver, with gold crown and appliqué decoration, the reverse centre inscribed ‘Private Thomas Adamson, Corps of Guides’, the reverse of the suspension bar with Phillips, Cockspur St. oval cartouche, complete with original gold ribbon buckle; NEW ZEALAND 1845-66, undated reverse (T. Adamson, Wanganui Rangs.) correct locally engraved naming, fitted with silver ribbon buckle, good very fine and extremely rare, a unique opportunity to acquire the only New Zealand Cross available to collectors outside of that country (2)


£50000-60000


New Zealand Cross New Zealand Gazette No. 27 of 11th May 1876: Private Thomas Adamson, Corps of Guides:-


‘For good and gallant services as a scout and guide throughout the campaign of 1868-69, continually undertaking hazardous and laborious reconnoitring expeditions almost alone in advance of the force. And for personal gallantry when attacked, with other guides, in advance of the column beyond Ahikereru, on the 7th May 1869, where they unmasked an ambuscade, and Adamson, with others, was severely wounded, and the guide Hemi killed.’


A total of only 23 New Zealand Crosses were awarded, all for services in the Second Maori War of 1860-72. This Cross was first sold at Glendining in December 1969 for £1,700. In the same sale a Great War V.C. group achieved £1,200. It has since been in several notable collections including those of Mr J. J. Barnet, Mr Jay Kanter, of Cleveland, and Mr Richard Magor (D.N.W. July 2003). All but one of the 23 original awards have been accounted for, the whereabouts of that awarded to Rangihiwinui (Major Kemp) being unknown. Of the surviving awards, 14 are held by museums or institutions around the world, and two remain with the family in New Zealand or are known to be stolen (Mair), buried (Wahawaha), or destroyed (Biddle). Of the three crosses held in private collections, those to McDonnell and Featherstone are both in New Zealand and subject to the heritage rules of that country, leaving only this award to Tom Adamson available to collectors from the rest of the world.


www.dnw.co.uk


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