A FINE AND VERY RARE 90TH FOOT ZULU WAR BATTLEFIELD PICKUP ZULU IWISA KNOBKERRY STYLE STICK, CARVED WITH THE SOLDIERS NAME, UNIT AND ‘KAMBULA 29 MARCH’, ‘ULUNDI 4 JULY 1879’

Overall length 32.5 inches, the club end 2.5 x 1.7 inches and is more likely an iwisa knobkerry style stick, as opposed a purely fighting knobkerry, though the length and head are within parameters for a knobkerry. These sticks were carried much like swagger sticks and could be used as a weapon as needs be. The head is unusual as it is more of a hammer shape that the more commonly round head.

It is finely carved with the words ‘KAMBULA 29 MARCH’,‘ULUNDI 4 JULY 1879’, ‘C. WARD. XC.L.I. With carving designs to two sides.

Below the inscriptions are Scottish thistles design which wraps around the shaft for about 5.5 inches. The carvings themselves extend 12.5 inches.

Very similar other Zulu bring back weapons have been seen with the same style of carving to Officers and men of the 90th and it seems likely these were done by someone with carving skills in the regiment, either in Zululand itself or on the voyage home. A near identically carved example to another soldier was sold several years ago here:

https://ianknightzulugallery.com/collections/sold-item-archive/products/interesting-rare-zulu-knobkerry-from-battle-of-khambula

There is only one C. Ward who served with the 90th Foot during the Zulu War, this being 732 Private C Ward, who was entitled to the medal and 1877-8-9 clasp.

A little age cracking along shaft but nothing of issue and the shaft retains a good shape. There are a several of small spots of white paint that need to be removed (see pics) but this is beyond myself. Stick has a lovely old age patina overall.

A fine and rarely seen and attributable Zulu war pick up weapon.