Box of compasses and measuring instruments. England, 19th century

Box of compasses and measuring instruments. England, 19th century.
This box was an award given to a pupil of the naval school HMS Conway.
Steel instruments.
Box in mahogany wood. With plaque inscribed with the name of the awardee and the English naval school.
Complete.
Exhibits wear consistent with age and use.
Measurements: 4,5 x 20,5 x 12 cm.

This nineteenth century box of measuring instruments belonged to a student of the school ship HMS Conway, as stated on the metal plaque on the lid, obtained as an award for his merits. The case is made of mahogany wood, with a beautiful grain. The interior, lined in blue velvet, holds a complete collection of compasses and interchangeable accessories, all in steel.

HMS Conway was a naval training school or "training ship", founded in 1859 and housed for most of her life aboard a 19th century wooden ship of the line. The ship was originally stationed in the Mersey near Liverpool, then moved to the Menai Straits during World War II. While being towed back to Birkenhead for a refit in 1953, she ran aground and was wrecked, and later burned. The school moved to purpose-built facilities on Anglesey, where it continued for another twenty years.