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Knife and sheath owned by James Conder
Knife and sheath owned by James Conder

Knife and sheath owned by James Conder

Manufacturer
Datec 1855
Object numberV00005673
NameKnife and sheath
MediumSteel, wood, rope
DimensionsKnife: 31 x 276 x 55 mm, 100 g
Scabbard: 12 x 58 x 31 mm
ClassificationsArmament
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert Murphy
DescriptionThis knife and sheath belonged to James Conder, who served in the Victorian Colonial Navy between 1892 and 1896, and later the Royal Australian Navy. The knife's manufacturer, Manson, produced blades in Sheffield from the 1820s until the 1860s.HistoryJames (Jim) Bryance Conder was one of thousands of Australian sailors who helped to shape Australia's naval history. His naval career, interspersed with periods ashore, illustrates all stages in the transition from British control of Australia's naval defence to full local responsibility with the formation of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It also shows what a strong imprint the Royal Navy had on the RAN. Conder joined the Royal Navy in Australia in 1891 aged 19 having sailed in the merchant ships ELLORA and AVENGER over the previous two years. He served on HMS ORLANDO, HMVS CERBERUS, HMVS NELSON, gunboat HMVS ALBERT, HMS KATOOMBA, HM Ships CHALLENGER and PSYCHE.SignificanceThis knife and sheath belonged to James Bryance Conder, whose naval career spanned four different navies in the service of Australia between 1891 and 1937.