Leviathan or the Great Eastern.

The Great Eastern was sold to a cable-laying company. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: PU6763

Description: After several unsuccessful passenger voyages, during one of which she struck an uncharted rock - damage that would have sunk any other ship - the 'Great Eastern' was put up for auction. She was sold for a paltry £25,000 to the Telegraph Construction and Maintenance Company of Greenwich in 1865.

Creator: Unknown

Date: c. 1860