Otago Boys’ High School received a New Zealand school cadet officer’s sword from former student Clive Bennett.
The sword had a 78cm-long blade and wire-bound sharkskin grip.
Mr Bennett had been given the sword some years ago and was happy to be leaving it with the school.
He hoped it would foster a connection for the students with the school’s past as a base for the cadet forces.
"The first unit raised was at Otago Boys’ High School in 1864, making it the oldest youth service organisation in New Zealand," Mr Bennett said
Otago Boys’ rector Richard Hall said the school was very grateful and humbled by Mr Bennett’s offer.
"It’s a good sign about the connection between the old boys and the current boys.
"It’s something they can physically touch and boys love that."
He said the school’s history and traditions was one of the reasons why its students were so proud of it.
