COCKADE, COACHMAN, ARCHIBALD PAULL BURT

We don’t know when this particular cockade was last used, so it’s unclear whether this was in Perth, or during the family’s time in St Kitts in the West Indies.
The cockade has historic significance dating from an era prior to mass produced uniforms which would more readily indicate allegiances. It appears to be complete and in stable condition.

Sir Archibald Paull Burt (1810-1879) was born into a plantation-owning family on St Kitts Island (formerly St Christopher in the West Indies). Burt accepted the position of Civil Commissioner and Chairman of Quarter Sessions in Western Australia in 1860. In January 1861 he arrived in Western Australia with his family. Burt was instrumental in establishing the Supreme Court Australia in 1861 and became the first Chief Justice of Western Australia. Knighted for his contributions in 1873, he maintained a secluded life to ensure impartiality and professional detachment as sole judge in the colony until his death in 1879. Archibald Paull Burt’s impact and lasting legacy in Western Australia continues through his family members who have held governmental and legislative roles in the state for multiple generations.