item details
NameRailway spike
ProductionGeorge White; silversmith; 1908; Christchurch
Classificationsouvenirs, ceremonial objects, spikes
Materialssilver
Materials SummaryEngraved silver spike
Techniquessilversmithing, engraving
DimensionsOverall: 23mm (width), 35mm (height), 136mm (length)
Registration NumberGH004700
Credit lineGift of Myrcine Tripp (née Ward) and family, 1995
Overview
This is a railway spike made of sterling silver by George Thomas White for ceremonial purposes. The spike was presented to Sir Joseph Ward at the ceremony marking the completion of the North Island Main Trunk railway line in November 1908, which was one of the most important engineering and construction projects in New Zealand history.
The spike has an engraved message on one side: "Presented to The Right Hon. Sir J. C. Ward, P.C., K.C.M.G., Prime Minister of the Dominion of New Zealand, in Commemoration of the Driving of the Last Spike on the North Island Main Trunk Railway, at Manganui-o-Te-Ao, November 6th 1908. William Hall-Jones, Minister of Railways and Public Works". The maker's mark (G.T.W.) is engraved underneath.