AN EXTREMELY RARE ZULU INDUNA’S STAFF

Formed as a small knobkerry, 31 1/2" overall length. A silver band below the head engraved REV R. S. CHAPLIN and bearing English hallmarks and a maker's mark J K. The date letters and town mark worn and indistinguishable, however, only two English makers J K are recorded, John Kentenber, recorded 1759-60 and Joseph Knight of Birmingham, recorded 1879-80-the exact year of the first Zulu War! Evidently a gift to a missionary, probably during the war as a gesture of solidarity as many Zulus opposed the war and Zulu regiments fought alongside the English. Its condition, lovingly well used, also suggests a career of use as a walking stick. By contrast, many Zulu knobkerries and Induna staffs collected during the war saw no further use and are preserved in relatively little used condition. Named Zulu Wars period items are very rare.