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#GeorgeIIISilver #EgyptianPattern #NapoleonicWar #EastIndiaCompany #LacyScottKnight #RoyalNavyHistory #HMSCanopus #BattleOfTheNile #JaneAustenFamily #HistoricalAntiques #FrancisWilliamAusten #IndiamenConvoy #SilverCandlesticks #HistoricalArtifacts #AntiqueCollectibles
A pair of George III silver Egyptian pattern candlesticks, steeped in historical significance and linked to Admiral Francis William Austen—brother of the celebrated novelist Jane Austen—are set to be auctioned by Lacy Scott & Knight in Suffolk. These candlesticks are not only exquisite examples of early 19th-century craftsmanship but also carry a rich narrative tied to the Napoleonic Wars, the East India Company, and the Austen family’s legacy.
Francis William Austen, affectionately known as Frank, was born into a modest family in Hampshire. At the age of 12, he joined the Royal Navy in 1786, beginning a distinguished naval career that saw him rise through the ranks. After graduating from the Royal Naval Academy at Portsmouth, he served on various ships, participating in blockades and skirmishes across the British Empire. By 1805, he was the commanding officer of HMS Canopus, a French ship captured during the Battle of the Nile. Austen’s naval endeavors included pursuits of the French Fleet in the West Indies and participation in the Battle of San Domingo.
In 1806, Austen married Mary Gibson. At the time, he was without a ship and resided in Southampton with his mother and sisters. His father, George Austen, had passed away the previous year, leaving his family, including the then-32-year-old Jane Austen, without a permanent home. This financial hardship likely influenced Frank’s decision to return to active service. In March 1807, he was appointed commander of HMS St Albans, tasked with supporting trade and escorting East India Company convoys.
In February 1808, Austen sailed to St Helena to oversee the safe passage of seven East India Company ships, plus an additional vessel, back to England. This mission was fraught with peril, as Napoleon’s forces were embroiled in the Peninsula War, attempting to install his brother Joseph Bonaparte as the Spanish king. The logbook of HMS St Albans, now preserved in the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, records Austen’s encounter with the brig Raven on June 20, 1808, which brought news of the French occupation of Spain and the imprisonment of the Spanish royal family in France. Despite these turbulent circumstances, Austen successfully completed his mission, earning the gratitude of the East India Company.
The Company awarded Austen £420—a substantial sum, possibly equivalent to a year’s salary—to purchase a piece of plate as a token of their appreciation. This gift was documented in a biographical manuscript written by Austen himself, recently acquired and transcribed by the Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton. In the manuscript, Austen recounts, “For his attention to the Convoy, the Board of East India Directors voted him 400 guineas… and the Captains of the 8 ships he conveyed… presented him with 2 pairs of handsome Candlesticks of an Egyptian pattern.”
The candlesticks set for auction are believed to be one of the two pairs mentioned in Austen’s manuscript. Their Egyptian pattern reflects the cultural fascination with Egyptology during the early 19th century, following Napoleon’s campaigns in Egypt and the subsequent rediscovery of ancient Egyptian artifacts. This design choice underscores the candlesticks’ historical context, tying them to broader global events of the era.
The candlesticks’ provenance is further supported by their inscription, which aligns with the historical record. They have been consigned from a local deceased estate, alongside a collection of other art and antiques, making their appearance at auction a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts of Austen family history.
Beyond their aesthetic and historical value, the candlesticks offer a tangible connection to the Austen family’s legacy. Francis William Austen’s naval career was a source of pride and inspiration for his sister Jane, who often drew upon the lives of her brothers for her novels. Frank’s experiences during the Napoleonic Wars and his interactions with the East India Company provide a vivid backdrop to the social and political milieu of Jane Austen’s works.
The auction of these candlesticks is not merely a sale of antique silver but a celebration of a remarkable historical narrative. They embody the intersection of personal, familial, and global histories, offering a glimpse into the life of a man who navigated the tumultuous waters of war and trade while leaving a lasting legacy intertwined with one of literature’s most beloved figures. As they find a new home, these candlesticks will continue to serve as a testament to the enduring connections between art, history, and the human stories that shape our understanding of the past.
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