2nd South Canterbury Regiment Insignia

Material: Brass, single-piece die-struck
Size: 30 mm w × 30 mm h
Description: This artifact is a stunning example of a 2nd (South Canterbury) Regiment insignia, which was traditionally worn by military personnel as part of their formal service uniforms. The piece is expertly structured in the distinct shape of a multi-tiered Maltese cross featuring elegant, sunburst-style linear ridges radiating from the center across each of its four arms. Anchored at the heart of the cross is a circular brass banner neatly inscribed with the prominent raised lettering "2nd SOUTH CANTERBURY REGIMENT N.Z.I." which wraps around a central medallion. Inside this central focal point rests a beautifully detailed, individually applied white-metal kiwi facing left, a classic national emblem that adds striking bi-metal contrast to the gilded brass frame. The reverse is unmarked and shows evidence of two original, dual copper fixing lugs that have been cleanly broken off or filed away.
Circa: 1911-1921
Notes:
The 2nd (South Canterbury) Regiment was heavily involved in the mobilization for the First World War, during which its men were absorbed into the main Canterbury Infantry Regiment to fight in major global campaigns. Following the post-war restructuring of the New Zealand Military Forces in 1921, the unit was formally amalgamated into the 1st Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, concluding the production era for this iconic insignia design.