Antique documented Dunedin Tramway Band conductor’s baton owned by Mr. F. Clarkson

A beautiful piece of New Zealand history, this antique sterling silver and ebonized timber conductor’s travelling baton was presented to Mr. F.J. Clarkson, the founding conductor of the Dunedin Tramway Band, by the band members of 1922 upon their first formal performance. Mr. F Clarkson can be seen holding this very same baton in a picture of the band taken in 1923 which is currently in the Dunedin City Council archives. 

The Dunedin Tramway Band was officially formed in 1921 and gave its first formal performance at at His Majesty's Theatre on May 4, 1922.

The band and its contemporaries was a prominent part of working-class musical culture in New Zealand during that time.

Inscribed to handle “Presented to Mr. F Clarkson from members / Dunedin Tramway Band 1922”, with assay marks for London, 1918.

References:

https://dccarchives.recollectcms.com/nodes/view/36288

https://natlib.govt.nz/blog/posts/the-people-s-music-the-birth-and-growth-of-new-zealand-s-brass-band-music

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT19220506.2.91?end_date=31-12-1922&items_per_page=10&phrase=2&query=tramways+band&snippet=true&start_date=01-01-1922&title=ODT

Price marked at $1500 AUD.

Measurements: Baton 43cm length when fully extended. Box measurements 25.5cm by 5cm, 4.5cm height.

Damage to bottom half of hinged collar as pictured. Otherwise good and useable antique condition with minor wear overall commensurate with age. Sponsor mark obscured, other marks legible.