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Knife owned by James Conder
Knife owned by James Conder

Knife owned by James Conder

Maker
Subject or historical figure (1872 - 1954)
Datec 1855
Object number00005673
NameKnife
MediumSteel, wood, rope
DimensionsOverall: 31 x 275 x 55 mm, 0.1 kg
Display Dimensions: 274 x 57 x 30 mm
ClassificationsArmament
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert Murphy
DescriptionThis knife is said to have been issued by the colonial Victorian Navy. It was owned by James Conder, who served in this navy and later the RAN. The knife's manufacter, Manson, produced blades in Sheffield from the 1820s until the 1860s.HistoryJames Conder served in the Victorian Colonial Navy and later the RAN. He is recorded as having been discharged from the AVENGER on the 3rd September 1890 in Melbourne, and from the ELLORA on the 29th March 1890. He was photographed as part of the ship's company on the CERBERUS. After the formation of the Royal Australian Navy, Conder served on the HMAS KATOOMBA, HMAS CHALLENGER, and HMAS PSYCHE. Conder's service record demonstrates the progression of Australian naval forces. Many of the ships he served upon have historical significance, including the CERBERUS, the KATOOMBA and the PSYCHE. The CERBERUS was a breastwork monitor, launched in 1868 as part of the Victorian Colonial Navy. She was transferred to the Commonwealth naval forces (later the RAN) in 1901, before being scuttled to be used as a breakwater in 1926 at Half-Moon Bay, Victoria, where she remains today. The PSYCHE was launched in 1898 as part of the imperial squadron, and was transferred to the RAN in 1915 before being sold for scrap in 1922. The KATOOMBA was one of seven vessels earmarked for the RAN, funded by both Britain and the colonies, with the passing of the Australian Naval Defence Act (1887).SignificanceThis knife is associated with the colonial Victorian Navy. It highlights the evolution of Australian naval defence.