New Zealand Cross, in silver and gold, engraved ‘specimen’ in upper reverse centre, with gold buckle on riband, extremely fine and rare £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of British Orders, Decorations and Medals formed by the late Fred Rockwood.

View
Collection

In terms of quality, the above described specimen compares favourably with the two New Zealand Crosses authorised in 1914 by the Minister of Defence, Sir James Allen, and struck by the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, London - one of which resides in the Otago Museum, Dunedin, and the other in a private collection. Only 23 New Zealand Crosses were awarded and only 13 official specimens have been authorised up to the present day.