JULY ANTIQUE & ART AUCTION Tuesday, 17 July 2018 - 9:30 AM start

A rare and historic early 20thC New Zealand Army Medical Corps Challenge shield

Lot Details

the oval silver plaque with relief applied and embossed decoration of a mountainous framed harbour with warship, artillery guns, tents, soldiers attending to a wounded comrade upon a stretcher, punga, cabbage trees, ferns and other flora. The applied letters in gold on ribbons and scrolls, 'New Zealand Medical Corps Challenge shield' to the top and the motto 'Caritas in Bello' to the lower plaque, stamped 'StgSILVER'. The ebonised frame with 16 small silver shields, 13 presentation engraved dating from 1908-09 to 1967-68. All on a totara four slab shield with kauri backing. 420 x 410 x 60. Note: Records show in parliamentary debates of August 28, 1908 a 'Grant for designing Challenge Shield New Zealand Medical Corps' was raised for two pounds, two shillings. The Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps (RNZAMC) was formally established in 1908. It is noted that 'The shield is to be awarded for competition amongst the medical corps of the Dominion.' From Papers Past, Otago Witness, 25th March, 1908, pge 14.