New Zealand Artillery Volunteer Headdress
New Zealand Garrison Artillery Volunteers Busby (circa 1888 to 1910)
This New Zealand Garrison Artillery Volunteers busby is in a very sad state, the loss of over 75% of its fur is probably due to years of poor storage. There is no signs of a makers label but I suspect that this busby was made in New Zealand and the fur is most likely rabbit, although I cannot rule out that it could be possum. (Black possums from Tasmania were introduced into New Zealand in 1837 by early settlers to start a fur industry. In 1921 the Government made it illegal to bring any more possums to New Zealand)
Front view.
Back view.
This right side view with the bag lifted shows good detail of the stitching that you would not normally see, as can be seen it is made of many little pieces of animal skin joined together.
Top view.
Interior view.
