JEWELLERY, DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS AUCTION Tuesday, 27 October 2026 / 10:00 am start

Lot 0171 « Prev Lot View All Lots Next Lot »

A rare female huia beak and gold brooch,

Estimate $5,000 - $10,000
Looking for a starting bid of $4,000 (0 bids)

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Lot Details

engraved and gilded 9ct gold cap to one end, and another small band to the other. L.88mm. Note: The last confirmed sighting of a huia was in 1907. The huia was already a rare bird before the arrival of Europeans, confined to the Ruahine, Tararua, Rimutaka and Kaimanawa mountain ranges in the south-east of the North Island. It was remarkable for its pronounced sexual dimorphism in bill shape; the female's beak was long, thin and arched downward, while the male's was short and stout. Note: Inherited through vendor's family who farmed in Okoia, near Wanganui. Arriving in New Plymouth c.1840.

A rare female huia beak and gold brooch, Image 1++
A rare female huia beak and gold brooch, Image 1++
A rare female huia beak and gold brooch, Image 1++
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