Antique-Gown

Ernst August (II) of Hanover (1845 – 1923) – a personal provisional tunic/claok as general of the English army. Long English-style tunic of fine black cloth, the cuffs and the stand-up collar of black velvet. Two rows of eight gilt buttons each as general of the mounted artillery with crossed sword and cannon within a laurel wreath, on the reverse embossed maker’s mark "Firmin & Son Ld. London". Black cloth lining, the sleeves lined with white silk. On the left lapel attached inventory label of the royal collection (tr.) "Wardrobe of His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg - object" with handwritten addendum (tr.) "Provisional tunic Engl." and "no. 3". Very good to excellent condition. The photos are not included.

Ernst August of Hanover, Crown Prince of Hanover, 3rd Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg, was born in 1823 as the only son of George V, the last King of Hanover. When his father was dethroned after the annexation of the Kingdom of Hanover by Prussia in 1866, he followed him into exile to Austria. Emperor Franz Joseph I admitted Ernst August to the Austrian army as colonel, and after the death of George V in 1878 he was awarded the title of 3rd Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale. Moreover, Queen Victoria appointed him Knight of the Order of the Garter as well as general of the English army. Refusing to reconcile himself with the House of Hohenzollern, he insisted on his claims to the royal throne in Hanover. It was not until his son Ernst August (III) married Viktoria Luise, daughter of Emperor Wilhelm II, in 1913 that the tensions subsided. Ernst August (II) renounced his claims to the Duchy of Brunswick in favour of his son, who became reigning Duke on 1 November 1913.

Provenance:Sotheby’s auction "The Royal House of Hanover", Marienburg Castle, 29 September to 8 October 2005.

Price: 2.200 Euro