Museum News
Recent Acquisitions
Supply of Ammunition
A seal machine is not something you would expect to see in an army museum's collection, but recently the National Army Museum received one with a fascinating history.
The machine has a sprung handle that pushes down a cirular stamp to impress 'The Colonial Ammunition Company Limited, Common Seal' - a company that had its origins in the late stages of the 1800s.
In 1885 New Zealand was gripped by a war scare thanks to the rising tensions between Britain and russia over Afghanistan. Defences were built at some New Zzealand ports and - more importantly for our story - authorities became concerned about a shortage of small arms ammunition from Britain.
To remedy the shortage an ammunition company was founded, which by 1889 had evolved into the Colonial Ammunition Company.
The company set about filling the need for ammunition and became New Zealand's pre-eminent supplier of military small arms ammunition during World War I and World War II.
The company finally closed its Auckland factory in 1982 and later, during a clean up, the seal machine was discovered.
Thankfully a person saw the unique historic value of the machine and donated it to the National Army Museum this important piece of New Zealand's military and industrial heritage.
Not bad for 146 years old
Early this year a rare firearm dating from the New Zealand Wars was donated to the National Army Museum.
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Calisher and Terry 30 Bore (.539in) Pattern 1860 No 2 Carbine - NZ 803. |
The Calisher and Terry 30 Bore Carbine was donated by Dean Stockwell of Wellington and apart from needing a little bit of a clean was in remarkably original condition.
The carbine was developed in 1860 and first used in New Zealand in 1863, when a total of 286 arrived from the United Kingdom for the Forest Rangers. These carbines were the latest thing in military technology because they were loaded from the breech end at a time when the conventional military rifles of the period were loaded from the muzzle – standing up.
The breech loading Calisher and Terry was originally intended for Cavalary troops as it could be loaded while riding a horse. The Forest Rangers recognised that this meant it could also be loaded while lying down, behind cover. It was an ideal weapon for the close country, close quarter type of actions being fought in the New Zealand bush, and by the end of 1869 there were 1736 Calisher and Terry carbines in service in New Zealand.
The carbine donated by Mr Stockwell is numbered NZ803 and it even has its matching serial numbered cleaning rod.
Good luck charm
This colourful cross pendant was given to 31544 Lance Corporal Edgar Squire of the Canterbury Infantry Battalion by his mother as a good luck charm before he went overseas for World War One.
The swastika is a symbol used in Buddhism and in Hinduism, and became popular in the West 1880's to 1920's as a good luck charm/symbol until it was subverted by the Nazi's.
It is not known if this cross was purchased in England or via a jeweller in New Zealand. It is understood to have been made by Adie & Lovekin Ltd of Birmingham (c1880-1910) circa 1910.
Edgar Squire left New Zealand with the 19th Reinforcements C Company Canterbury Infrantry Battalion 15th November 1916 on board either His Majesty's NZ Transport (HMNZT) No 68 "Maunganui" or HMNZT No 69 "Tahiti".
Peace beads WWI
Written by Mrs Joyce Neill 1973
"Peace Will Come Again" - Those are the words symbolised by an old bead necklace. The red, white and blue beads were threaded, in that order onto white tape. Many of these bead gifts were made by an elderly lady (neighbour of Mrs Neill nee Nichols) over fifty five years ago in 1918. She presentede tham to all the young girls she knew. THere are sixty seven ordinary beads making these signs of faith and hope; for they were made, set aside to be worn when the German Army was when the peace bells rang and the bonfires blazed.
A special rock
For Kiwi soldiers far from the people they love a small piece of home can be a great comfort and source of strength.
When the 9th New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team headed for Afghanistan in October 2006 they travelled with a blessed rock gathered from the South Island's Mackenzie Country.
The rock was permanently set in the team's mess in Afghanistan and it acted as a 'spiritual touch stone' for the soldiers in the deployment who were serving so far from their native soil.
The rock was selected in Tekapo prior to the deployment by Chaplain Lem Pearse who blessed it in the Church of the Good Shepherd on the foreshore of Lake Tekapo.
When the deployment safely returned home the special rock came with them and was eventually generously donated to the Army Museum.
Corner State Highway One
and Hassett Drive
Waiouru, New Zealand
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Fax: +64 6 387 6319
