HENRY FAUNTLEROY HANGING PENNY

 

A fascinating and very rare penny that relates to the hanging of banker and forger Henry Fauntleroy, that happened 200 years ago this year and was attended by more than 100,000 spectators, will be on display on the stand of Timothy Millett at the LAPADA Berkley Square Fair from October 22-27, 2024. It has a price tag of £2,500.

Henry Fauntleroy (1784-1824) was for 7 years, a clerk in the London bank of Marsh, Sibbald & Co., of which his father was one of the founders. He was taken into partnership, and the whole business of the firm was gradually left in his hands. In 1824, the bank suspended payments. Fauntleroy was arrested on the charge of appropriating trust funds by forging the trustees' signatures and was committed for trial. It was rumoured that he had squandered £250,000 in total which it is claimed he spent on homes for his mistresses and gambling at the races. He was tried at the Old Bailey; found guilty and sentenced to be hanged. After the hanging, there were rumours that he had put a silver pipe down his throat and hadn't died. Wealthy friends, it was claimed, had cut down the body and whisked him away to live a luxurious life overseas.

"Only about 10 of these pennies are known to exist, it is presumed that they were all created by the same engraver spotting a business opportunity", says London-based Tim Millett who has over 40 years' experience as a dealer, specialising in historical medals and historical works of art.

He added: "These coins were sold at the hanging to an enthusiastic and resentful crowd, as recorded in the legend- "the robber of widows and orphans". and to be offering this penny, a relic of such a sensational event just weeks before the 200th anniversary of the hanging, November 30th (in the city where he lived and died) is very exciting."

He finishes: "Fauntleroy was a reckless character and even kept a book recording each one of his forged transactions. At the time, the story attracted a huge amount of attention. Even today, if you go into the entrance of the Old Bailey, there is a cabinet with documents related to the trial. Normally the establishment don't like hanging their own, it might set an unfortunate precedent."

Since 2009, the LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair has become a leading showcase for art and antiques on the international arts calendar, establishing a reputation for attracting buyers interested in significant one-of-a-kind investment pieces, alongside a new generation of keen collectors from around the world. The fair is located in the heart of Mayfair, known globally for its rich heritage, luxury retail, neighbouring art galleries, restaurants, hotels and private members clubs. The fair benefits from its close proximity to these establishments, with visitors spending well over £10m across the week.

The LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair is delighted to welcome back esteemed partners Rathbones incorporating Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), the Wallace Collection and Pulbrook & Gould for 2024, whose value and support leading up to and during the fair continue to bolster the fair's success.

About LAPADA
LAPADA the Association of Art & Antiques Dealers is the largest society of professional art and antiques dealers in the UK. It is a trusted resource for private collectors and the art and antiques trade in the UK and 16 other countries around the world. Established in 1974 it boasts over 500 worldwide members, who are experts in their fields, with specialities ranging from fine art, jewellery and furniture to contemporary works, sculpture and ceramics. Due to the Association's strict Code of Practice, clients are offered total reassurance when purchasing from a LAPADA member. LAPADA offers a referral service for any member of the public looking for a trusted dealer in a specific area, who is seeking quality and assurance of authenticity. It also offers industry advice and lobbies on issues affecting its members and good practice in the art and antiques trade. In 2015, LAPADA launched its newly developed website, which is the leading online marketplace for sourcing authentic art and antiques from trusted LAPADA-accredited dealers.

For more information, see:
https://lapadalondon.com/

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