RARE BOOKS, MILITARIA, MAPS, HISTORICAL ART

JULY 4, 2023

ONLINE AUCTION lots begin closing at 5pm

VIEWING

Saturday 1 July, 11am–4pm

Sunday 2 July, 11am–4pm

Monday 3 July, 9am–5pm

Tuesday 4 July, 9am–5pm

Pam Plumbly pam@artandobject.co.nz

+64 21 448 200

The Colin Laing Collection Of Militaria

Colin Laing was a collector from his Parnell Primary School days in the late 1930s when he began what would become a life-long interest in New Zealand military history books, military badges and medals. A sense of history, service, tradition, and respect for New Zealand's military prowess followed.

In 1942, during WWII, the Auckland Domain was covered by regular lines of army huts and this was the perfect playground for Colin and his friends. He became a 'runner' for the men in the camp, for all sorts of supplies, and their payment to him was badges, buttons and other small uniform keepsakes, many of which are included in the auction.

Laing made many overseas trips to battlefi elds and sites of signifi cance. He was a life member of the Military Historical Society of NZ until his death in 2017. His passion for all things military endured over 70 years and during this time he amassed a large and important collection of medals, badges & military ephemera.

Rare Books

Part two of the auction includes some 350 lots of rare books, maps and photographs.

Items of note include a superb Fern Album with carved kauri binding by Eric Craig, a collection of historic maps including Bayley's Chart of New Zealand 1772, and a number of early New Zealand photographs including three rare Sherwin & Cotton ceramic portrait tiles of Tuari Netana, Guide Sophia and Guide Bella.

Also included is historic New Zealand art and early editions of 'Cook's Voyages' and a 1581 edition of the Geneva Bible.

The requirements for membership of the Caterpillar Club are rigid, members must have saved their own lives by jumping with a parachute.