NZ History: Rare Featherston Medal Sells for $180,000 Record Price

A Wellington Founder’s Bravery: Rare New Zealand Cross Fetches Record Auction Price

A significant piece of New Zealand’s colonial history was sold at auction over the weekend, achieving a record price for a New Zealand numismatic and historical artifact. A New Zealand Cross, awarded to Isaac Featherston in 1875 for his bravery and leadership during a military campaign, realized $180,000, according to reports from 1News. The sale highlights the enduring value placed on tangible links to the nation’s past and the increasing interest in collecting historical medals and artifacts.

The New Zealand Cross is a highly coveted award, with only 23 being issued in the 19th century to both Māori and Pākehā individuals. This particular medal’s significance is amplified by its connection to Featherston, a pivotal figure in the development of Wellington and the shaping of modern New Zealand. The auction, conducted by Mowbray Collectables, saw intense bidding, reflecting the rarity and historical importance of the item. Managing director David Galt noted that medals of this caliber rarely become available to collectors, as many end up in museum collections.

Featherston’s Gallantry and Leadership

Isaac Featherston’s award stemmed from his actions during a military campaign in 1866, where he demonstrated “great gallantry in battle,” as described by Galt. He played a crucial role in leading a group of Wanganui Māori fighters, earning their trust and respect. Historian John Martin explained that the Māori contingent had initially refused to fight alongside British troops unless Featherston personally led them on the “arduous campaign.” This underscores Featherston’s ability to bridge cultural divides and inspire confidence in a challenging environment.

Featherston’s influence extended beyond the battlefield. He was instrumental in the decision to move New Zealand’s capital city from Auckland to Wellington. Martin highlighted that Featherston championed Wellington as the geographically central location for Parliament, recognizing the difficulties of travel at the time and the need for a central meeting place for Members of Parliament. This strategic move solidified Wellington’s position as the nation’s political heart.

Beyond the Cross: Other Treasures at Auction

The auction wasn’t solely focused on military honors. Other items of historical and collectible interest were similarly sold, including a military cross awarded to Lieutenant Maurice Luxford in 1918 for his role in the New Zealand liberation of the French village of Le Quesnoy. Luxford’s story took an unexpected turn after his military service; he later moved to California and became known as “Mr. Golf,” even playing the sport with future US President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The auction also featured a curious item – a bundle of old $100 trillion Zimbabwean bank notes. While virtually worthless in their country of origin due to hyperinflation, these notes have become collectible items, representing a period of economic turmoil. Galt explained that collectors find them intriguing, despite the fact that a wheelbarrow full would have been needed to purchase a single loaf of bread during Zimbabwe’s economic crisis.

The Significance of Collecting New Zealand History

The high price achieved for the Featherston New Zealand Cross reflects a growing interest in collecting New Zealand historical artifacts. This trend is driven by a desire to connect with the nation’s past and preserve its heritage. As Galt pointed out, these items are often acquired by museums, but when they become available to private collectors, they generate significant interest.

The New Zealand Cross, in particular, holds a special place in the nation’s history. It was awarded for acts of bravery and distinguished service, often in challenging and dangerous circumstances. The fact that it was awarded to both Māori and Pākehā individuals highlights the complex and often intertwined histories of the two cultures. You can learn more about the history of New Zealand medals and decorations at the New Zealand Defence Force website here.

What Happens Next for Historical Artifacts?

The sale of the Featherston New Zealand Cross is likely to spur further interest in similar historical artifacts. Collectors and institutions will be actively seeking out other rare and significant items, potentially driving up prices in the market. The Mowbray Collectables auction serves as a reminder of the value of preserving and celebrating New Zealand’s rich and diverse history. The future of the Featherston Cross itself remains unclear; it remains to be seen whether it will remain in private hands or eventually find its way into a public institution. The auction house did not disclose the identity of the buyer.

The increasing demand for New Zealand historical items also raises questions about the ethical considerations of collecting and trading such artifacts. There is a growing debate about whether these items should be returned to their original communities or kept in public institutions where they can be accessible to all. Here’s a complex issue with no easy answers, and We see likely to continue to be debated for years to come. Further information on the history of New Zealand can be found on the official government website here.