14/10/2026
A very rare engraved and dated, Royal Navy / British Admiralty presentation Octant.
It is beautifully hand engraved:
- Royal Naval Reserve Prize - School Frigate Conway -
- Presented by the R.N.R. Officers in Liverpool to Christopher Cornish -
- for the proficiency in the use of Nautical Instruments - Midsummer 1869 -
The antique Octant itself was made by J.R. Cameron, 51 South Castle Street, Liverpool.
H.M.S. CONWAY was a floating Naval training establishment that was set up in 1859. This ‘school ship’ for Royal Navy cadets was located aboard the 19th-century Warship H.M.S CONWAY and was originally located on the River Mersey near Liverpool.
The first ship utilised for this purpose was H.M.S CONWAY that was built in 1829, a 125ft / 651 ton sixth rate warship carrying 28 guns.
In 1861 a larger school and ship was required so she was replaced by H.M.S. WI******ER ( this ship was renamed H.M.S. CONWAY ) built in 1818, she was a 172ft / 1468 ton Frigate carrying 52 guns.
In 1875 an even larger ship was required so H.M.S. NILE ( also renamed H.M.S. CONWAY ) built 1827, was a 205ft / 2598 ton 90 gun Ship of the line.
