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A pair of Ducal Danish Louis XVI silver candlesticks, smooth-cylindrical column-shaped stem on domed four-sided base, engraved with the crowned monogram of Duchess Louise Augusta of Augustenborg with numbering 30 and 42, respectively, detachable drip-pan. Maker Jens Jensen Viol, Copenhagen 1794. Filled. H. 17.5 cm. (2)

Maker Jens Jensen Viol originally made 36 such candlesticks - a number that were subsequently provided to a total of 50 pieces. At Bruun Rasmussen auction 778, 2007 no. 1672 were sold four identical candlesticks dated 1794 and numbered 6, 37, 55 and 58.

Provenance: Duchess Louise Augusta of Augustenborg (1771–1843), née Princess of Denmark. She was daughter of King Christian VII and Queen Caroline Mathilde of Denmark, in all probability with the king's physician, Johan Struensee, as unofficial father. She was married in 1786 to Duke Frederik Christian II of Augustenborg. They became parents of Duke Christian August II of Augustenborg (1798–1869) and Prince Frederik of Nør. These brothers were largely responsible for the outbreak of the First Schleswig War 1848–1851, which Denmark won, after which the ducal family had to go into exile. Later Danish private ownership until today.

In Bo Bramsen's book, “Ferdinand and Caroline”, Copenhagen 1985, p. 282, it is mentioned that the crisis-stricken descendants of Duchess Louise Augusta of Augustenborg sold most of the family silver after WW1. A significant part was bought by the Museum of National History Frederiksborg Castle, including more of the present candlesticks. One of these illustrated: Jørgen Paulsen, “Augustenborg”, Copenhagen 1981, p. 130.

Auction

Antiques – decorative art, furniture and carpets, 17 September 2024

Category

Silver ▸ Silver

Estimate

12,000–15,000 DKK

Sold

Price realised

45,000 DKK