item details
NamePercussion sporting rifle, .71 calibre.
ProductionJohn Boston; gunsmith; circa 1860; Wakefield
Classificationrifles, firearms
Materialssteel, wood, brass, silver
DimensionsOverall: 60mm (width), 195mm (height), 1160mm (length)
Registration NumberDM000494
Overview
Muzzle loading percussion sporting rifle, calibre .71, made by John Boston, Wakefield, England, about 1860.
The silver plaque on the butt of this rifle records that it was presented by Sir George Grey, the Governor of New Zealand, to Captain Charles Heaphy of the Auckland Rifle Volunteers in recognition of Heaphy's bravery in action at Waiari on 11 February 1864.
Three years later, Heaphy received further recognition of his bravery when he became the first member of the New Zealand armed forces to be awarded the Victoria Cross.