This revolver was presented to Francis Joseph (Frank) Mace at a parade of the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers in July 1862. Mace, who would later earn the New Zealand Cross and be promoted to the rank of Captain, was presented with the revolver for his "gallant conduct in the field" at the battle of Waireka on 28 March 1860. Revolvers were also presented to Charles Messenger and the representative of Edward Messenger at the same ceremony.
A newspaper report published on 15 July 1862 in the Wellington Independent summarised the presentation with glowing tributes.
"Before delivering the pistols to those entitled to receive them, he (Captain Charles Stapp) would observe that in being associated with the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers he felt highly honoured, he could never forget how nobly they stood their ground and fought against fearful odds on that memorable day and proved themselves not like partly trained civilians in action for the first time, but as tried and trained veterans, and since then they had fought and bled, and have honourably done their duty in various trying positions. Their consistent conduct has gained for them a name that will be handed down to their children's children and in thus addressing them he felt that if called upon they would follow their commanding officer, whoever he might be, through twice as much. In presenting Sergeants Mace and E. Messenger with their pistols, Captain Stapp wished them long life and success, at the same time expressing his confidence in them as being so great as to induce him to believe that if ever they were called upon to use them in a just cause they would never be found wanting. In presenting the other pistol to poor Edward Messenger's representative, Captain Stapp said that one and all deplored the loss of a gallant comrade, for he (Edward Messenger) was beloved by all for his straightforward and gallant conduct; and it must be some solace to the bereaved parents to find that his services have been appreciated, although perhaps nothing could repay the loss of a brave and dutiful son, and an affectionate brother. The pistols are beautiful specimens of workmanship, with the names of the present owners engraved on a silver plate.