Lot Essay
Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex (1773-1843), was the 6th son of George III. His advocacy of liberal measures brought him into conflict with his father and later, his brother, George IV. As a result, he was the only Royal Duke excluded from any form of lucrative employment, and was strictly limited to his parliamentary allowance. According to the National Portrait Gallery of Illustrious and Eminent Personages, the Duke was forced "to endure the most mortifying neglect, almost amounting to studied insult, from his eldest brother, both as Regent and King."
In spite of such financial woes, the Duke formed an important silver collection, like many of Royal brothers. The Sussex Collection was dispersed by Christie's in a series of sales held from June 22-27, 1843. The auctions comprised 695 lots and nearly forty thousand ounces of plate, including the present lot, part of a set of eight.
PHOTO CAPTION
H.R.H. Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex (1773-1843), National Portrait Gallery of Illustrious and Eminent Personages
In spite of such financial woes, the Duke formed an important silver collection, like many of Royal brothers. The Sussex Collection was dispersed by Christie's in a series of sales held from June 22-27, 1843. The auctions comprised 695 lots and nearly forty thousand ounces of plate, including the present lot, part of a set of eight.
PHOTO CAPTION
H.R.H. Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex (1773-1843), National Portrait Gallery of Illustrious and Eminent Personages