The rectangular casket raised on fern feet, the front mounted with two Hei tiki in jade with sealing wax eyes, two kiwis in gold, and a rangatira (chief) enclosed by the words NAUMAI KI AKARANA which translates to "Welcome to Aukland", the sides with lion mask and ring handles, the hinged cover mounted with a beveled jade panel topped by a gold bar, flanked by ferns and with presentation inscription to Charles S. Sperry, the back engraved with a view of the port of Auckland, quilted lining, marked on cover with maker's mark AKOHN twice, AUCKLAND, and Sterling Silver, in velvet lined burlwood box with maker's label; the document forming a long welcome from the people of Auckland to Admiral Charles S. Sperry commanding the American fleet, in gilt-tooled leather frame, all enclosed in a hinged frame, the front panel with marquetry of multiple local woods including kōwhai, manuka myrtle, and lacebark flowers, and applied with a gold American eagle and a gold presentation plaque, marked AKOHN and AUCKLAND, also with an engraved silver view of Auckland, marked AKOHN and AUCKLAND, at the base a medallion with the New Zealand flag surrounded by the words "From Citizens of Auckland New Zealand", the back with a parquetry panel, in a fitted velvet-lined leather case with maker's label

length of casket 7 in.; height of album 13 in.
17.8 cm; 33 cm

Catalogue note

The inscription on casket reads "To Rear Admiral Charles S. Sperry, commanding the American fleet from Auckland Harbour Board, Auckland, N.Z. August 10th 1908."

The inscription on gold plaque reads "Rear Admiral C. S. Sperry souvenir from the citizens of Auckland on the occasion of the visit of the American fleet to New Zealand August 1908."

Charles Stillman Sperry (1847-1911) was an officer in the United States Navy. As rear admiral he served in the United States delegation to the Geneva Convention and the Second Hague Conference. As Commander in Chief, Battle Fleet under President Theodore Roosevelt, he led the fleet during the major portion of its historic cruise around the world in 1908 and 1909. The destroyer, USS Charles S. Sperry, was named for him.