What is this soldier wearing

[JohnLynch]

What is this soldier wearing on his left arm?

Have look at the crossed rifles in wreaths?

The photo is of William Williams take in 1886?

[Nichollg]

John you may want to also post some of these questions related to earlier period photos in the British section as well, as most of these badges are probably also part of the British system.
Cheers
Gareth

[rockape560]

hi john,

i would guess that badge is a champion shot/muskerty badge possibly even a bisley champion.

however i am no expert in the period that the photo was taken and im sure others will correct me if im wrong.

philip

[atillathenunns]

The NZ Rifle Association (NZRA) is recorded in 1884 to have issued 20 embroidered badges to the top 20 shooters in the National shoot.
The badge is described as -
"a scarlet background, the ornamentation being worked in silver thread to represent crossed rifles surrounded by a crown and enclosed m a laurel wreath, with the letters N.Z.R.A. and the figures 1884."
(Also made with a blue background)

However the image does not look like crossed rifles to me, instead I think it looks like crossed cannons.
Any chance of closer detail of the badges?
Perhaps you could show more of the photo?

[JohnLynch]

Here is the original image

[atillathenunns]

Interesting picture, I am leaning to the top badge being a 1st or more likely 2nd place gunnery skill at arms badge.

Does the photo have a photographers name by any chance?
Do you know which artillery unit Williams was in?

[JohnLynch]

http://mp.natlib.govt.nz/detail/?id=...e%241880s&l=en

Here is the source of the picture

[atillathenunns]

I managed to enhance the picture, which confirms the badges are NZRA 1882 & 1883.



The following were presented with badges for good marksmanship in the champion matches fired at Dunedin in November (1882) last Lieut. McCredie, Sergeant Webb, Corporals Turner and Holmes, Gunner Williams, and Bombardier McKenzie (Artillery), and P.O. France, Seaman Harris, and Bandsman Howe (Naval Brigade).
In making the presentation on behalf of Mr. F. Stevens, Secretary of the New Zealand. Rifle Association, Colonel Pearce mentioned as a gratifying fact that out of the twenty badges set apart for the whole colony, nine had fallen to the Wellington district, six of which had been taken by the D Battery of Artillery. The badge, which was manufactured in London, is oval shaped silver work on a dark ground and a wreath of laurel Burronnds the central design of two crossed rifles, and the letters "R.A." At the top are the letters "N.Z.," and at the foot there appear the figures "1882-1883."

Williams was a member of D Battery (Wellington) Artillery

[atillathenunns]

It is likely this badge in my collection being sourced from Wellington was worn by a member of the Wellington D Battery Artillery.