Date
Instituted: 1869.
Campaign: First and Second Maori Wars 1845-47 and 1860-66.
Description: The obverse depicts Queen Victoria’s diademed head with
a veil at the rear and the legend ‘VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F:
D:’. The reverse has a laurel wreath with the appropriate
dates for one of the many campaigns in New Zealand and the words
‘NEW ZEALAND’ above and ‘VIRTUTIS HONOR’ below. The swivelling
suspender is unique to this medal being of an unusual foliated design
Metal: Silver.
Size: 36mm.
Clasps: None authorised for this
medal.
| Ribbon: |
 |
Naming: Naming
is usually done in impressed Roman capitals to both the army and navy
while engraving is seen on those awarded to local militia units.
Comments: Only surviving veterens
of the Maori Wars were issued with this medal making it a little
more scarce than other campaign medals. Collectors find medals awarded
to those who fought in the battle of Gate Pah as highly collectable. |
