Important Silversmiths - JC Klinkosch
Joseph Carl von Klinkosch was one of the finest Viennese silversmiths of the late 19th century. He apprenticed in his father's workshop between 1825 and 1839 and became a certified silversmith in 1844.
His father Carl Klinkosch inherited the firm from his own father Josef in 1815. Because of Carl's superb craftsmanship, the firm quickly flourished. It became particularly famous for their objects of vertu, which were highly appreciated as presents in the Royal family and the Imperial Court. In 1837 Carl Klinkosch became the Imperial Court silversmith.
In 1831 the firm formed a fruitful partnership with Stefan Mayerhofer, who was a provider of the Court Table Silver. The cooperation of Mayerhofer and Klinkosch led to further commissions from the Imperial Court. After Mayerhofer retired in 1869, J.C. Klinkosch became the Purveyor to the Imperial Household and one of the most prolific cutlery producers in Austria.
In 1851 Joseph Carl Klinkosch completely took over the technical management of the firm and improved the style and quality of their creations. Young Klinkosch partially resumed the "obsolete" manual manufacturing and involved the domestic and foreign artists. The impeccable quality of their silver pieces led the firm to immediate success. Klinkosch was awarded the Imperial Warrant to the Court of Emperor Franz Josef of Austria in 1855.
The workshop produced a wide range of products, including tableware, silverware and jewellery. In 1884 Klinkosch passed the company to his sons, Arthur and Isidor. In 1918 the firm was sold to Arthur Krupp, who changed its name to "J.C.Klinkosch AG". The company survived until 1972.
Today, Klinkosch's silver pieces from the 19th century are present in numerous museums and private collections all over the world.
