close

JC Klinkosch

Imperial Silversmith to Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria: Klinkosch fulfilled numerous commissions for the Austrian Royal Family and is regarded among the finest Austrian silversmiths of the late 19th century. Josef Carl (also: Karl) Klinkosch was the son of Carl Klinkosch (1797–1860) and Katharina geb. Kempenich (1801-1830). The mother died of puerperal fever and, like her husband Carl, was Josef Carl learned the silversmith's trade from his father, who founded the Mayerhofer & Klinkosch manufacture together with Stefan Mayerhofer in 1830-31. In 1851 Josef Carl took over the business. In 1848 he married Elise. He was captain of the civil guard during the riots of 1848. Klinkosch refined the style of the goods produced in the workshops and also began making Chinese style silver objects. Numerous artists, also from abroad, were entrusted with the preparation of the designs. The firm received many silver and gold medals at exhibitions for the high quality of their design and finish. The company's customers included not only the upper bourgeoisie and aristocrats, but also the imperial court from 1855, which awarded him the title of “ kuk court and chamber supplier ” In 1861/1862 Klinkosch became a member of the Vienna City Council. In 1869 Klinkosch became sole owner, and the company was renamed JC Klinkosch. The company took part in the world exhibitions in Vienna in 1873 and in Paris in 1878. Later in 1879 Josef Carl Klinkosch became a knight of the realm. From 1884 he retired from the business, and the company was passed on to his two sons Arthur (1853-1899) and Isidor (1852-1914). In his private life he was able to build up an extensive private art collection with his fortune.