The Kuriheka Collection of British Medals

New Zealand Cross, in silver and gold, engraved ‘specimen’ in reverse centre, with gold buckle on ribbon, in its original Goldsmiths & Silversmiths, London fitted case, extremely fine and rare £3000-4000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Kuriheka Collection of British Medals.

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Collection

This is one of two official specimens of the New Zealand Cross authorised in 1914 by the Minister of Defence, Sir James Allen, and struck by the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, London. The other specimen struck at that time formed part of the collection of Dr Hastings Irwin, and, after his death, it was passed to the Otago Museum, Dunedin. Only 23 New Zealand Crosses were awarded and only 13 official specimens have been authorised up to the present day.