WHAT PRICE A GUN?
by
Craig Wharton
A .32 revolver reputedly belonging to Kate Kelly (sister of the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly) was sold by Mossgreen Auctions in Melbourne on the 13th November 2007 for AU$72,000. Made by Henckell & Co. of Solingen, the revolver has “K.K.” inscribed on the butt, and police markings on the frame. Coincidentally, Constable Fitzpatrick lost one just like it on the 15th April 1878 whilst on a drunken visit to the Kelly home to serve a warrant! |
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In the incident now surrounded by myth and half-truths lost over time, Fitzpatrick in his drunken state allegedly made lewd advances towards Kate Kelly. Dan Kelly subsequently punched Fitzpatrick for his trouble and the constable’s drawn revolver was dis- |
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discharged. Fitzpatrick sus- tained a cut wrist during the melee. His Report to his superiors condemned the Kelly family. The Victorian Police declared Ned and Dan to be outlaws and a £100 reward was posted on the brothers.
Their mother, Ellen, was incarcerated for 3 yrs. The other two men present received 6 yrs each. Ned and Dan subsequently joined forces with Steve Hart and Joe Byrne to form an armed gang.
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On 28th October 1878 at Stringybark Creek, Ned shot and killed Sargeant Kennedy and Constables Lonigan and |
Scanlon. His war against the Victorian Police Force had started! Ned’s story has been told often enough but his escapades came to a halt on the morning of the 28th June 1880 at Glenrowan at the conclusion of the famous siege of the Glenrowan Hotel. Ned Kelly was wounded, captured, and hung at the old Melbourne Gaol at 10am on 11th November 1880.
If Kate’s (previously Fitz- patrick’s) revolver with its connections to the Kelly legend can realise $72,000 at auction, what then would Ned’s Colt Navy that he w with be worth? Also the oth by Ned and the other mem could be of similar value. historical and culturally sign are in the Matt Deller collec Trustees of the Old Melbou no doubt are in private coll like Kate's revolver lie hidd |
as captured er firearms used bers of the gang Some of these ificant firearms tion held by the rne Gaol, and some ections. Maybe others en away waiting to be found...... |