A .50 REMINGTON ROLLING BLOCK CARBINE

A 10% Goods and Services tax (G.S.T) will be charg… Read more

THE BOXER UPRISING: CHINA 1900-1901 At the end of the 19th century the balance of trade between China and the Western powers was entirely in the West's favour. This had developed from decades of expansion by Britain, France, Germany and the United States of America. The Western powers based largely in Shanghai demanded areas of exclusion where they were subject to their own national laws at the expense of the sovereignty of China. Due to the inability of China to address the inbalance of influence and trade from the West, numerous anti-European societies formed. The most violent and popular was the 'Righteous and Harmonious Fists'. Popularised by the West they became known as 'The Boxers'. In 1899 'The Boxers' commenced a campaign of violence against Westerners and Chinese engaged in trade with them. Targeting missionaries and civilians, especially women and children, by March 1900 the Western powers intervened. In May 1900, warships anchored off the Chinese coast. France, Germany, Austria, Russian and Japan sent armed contingents to China. In June they marched on Peking and Chinese Imperial troops supported 'The Boxers'. At the time Australia was engaged in the war in South Africa and it was decided to send a naval brigade in support of the Western troops engaged in China. The Victorian Naval Contingent joined members from South Australia and New South Wales and sailed from Sydney in the steamer 'SS Salamis' in August 1900. On arrival in China, the majority of the conflict had ended and the Australians were employed in police actions against the last dissident 'Boxers'. Expecting martial adventure and an opportunity to distinguish themselves, they simply arrived too late to take a significant part in the action. The naval brigade departed China in March 1901. Six men died of sickness and injury. The following rifles and carbines are primary relics from this action. These men left Australia when it was separated as independent colonies, and returned to a newly federated Commonwealth of Australia.

Details

A .50 REMINGTON ROLLING BLOCK CARBINE
With 56.5 cm. (22 1/4 in.) rifled barrel, sighted, iron and brass mounts, the left side of stock carved with a dragon chasing a flaming pearl, the other inscribed 'M Fitzpatrick CPO Vict Navel (sic) Cont, Tien Tsan, China 1900 and 1901'.
96 cm. (37 3/4 in.)
See illustration

Special notice

A 10% Goods and Services tax (G.S.T) will be charged on the Buyer's Premium on all lots in this sale.

Lot Essay

This rifle was souvenired from the Boxer Rebellion by Chief Petty Officer M Fitzpatrick of the Victorian Naval Contingent

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