The grip is not the only thing missing from this presentation revolver, much of its story is absent as well. According to the engraving on the top strap the revolver was presented by the New Zealand Government to James Ball “For Gallant Conduct in the Field at Taranaki / A.D 1860” but so far the details of his deeds have remained obscure. 

Adding to the mystery surrounding the Taranaki Wars era weapon, the museum also holds an identical Beaumont-Adams patent five shot double action .44 calibre percussion revolver which was inscribed in the same way to John Phillips.

Judging by some fragmentary newspaper references pieced together recently it seems Ball was farming in the Omata area around the time of the First Taranaki War. In 1867 a reference of his £50 claim to the Taranaki Relief Fund mentions he lost his bullocks during the war and had to sell his farm for half what he paid for it. After the war he settled in the Kakaramea district in south Taranaki and was lauded in the Taranaki Herald for his efforts “James Ball has made Very great progress, he has got a very pretty house, garden, and orchard, about ten acres ploughed and sown down with grass, one piece of land of about 60 acres fenced in, and another of 120 acres nearly so. It is highly gratifying to see these advancing steps of civilisation…”

Iwi were of course not so gratified by such creeping confiscation and in 1868 Nga Ruahine leader Riwha Titokowaru mounted a fierce military campaign, scoring several notable victories and sent settlers fleeing to Whanganui. After Titokowaru’s eventual defeat Ball returned to farm in the Kakaramea district. He died aged 85 in 1909, lauded by the Wanganui Chronicle as “one of the oldest and most respected settlers on the coast.”

The obituary mentions his presentation revolver, but frustratingly provides no further details on its award. If anyone knows anything more about this weapon please contact Puke Ariki social history curator Andrew Moffat. (Ref: A73.332)