Josef Carl Klinkosch (1822-1888) was a highly skilled Viennese silversmith, who flourished in 19th Century Europe. Apprenticed to his father Carl 1835-1839, certified 1844, the family business produced fine silverware and jewellery. Their success was at the very pinnacle of Austrian society, the business was made Court silversmith from 1837 and given a Royal Warrant from Franz Josef of Austria in 1855.
Josef assumed control of the family business in 1851 whereupon he and Stephen Mayerhofer formed the partnership Mayerhofen & Klinkosch. The company’s success quickly expanded the business to several hundred employees and a reputation for fine craftsmanship. Klinkosch ended the partnership in 1869/70 and renamed the company J.C Klinkosch.
Josef Carl Klinkosch’s clients included members of the bourgeoisie and high society and from 1855 he held the Imperial Warrant to the Court of Emperor Franz Josef of Austria. Josef was knighted in 1879 and his pieces still form part of the Austrian Royal collection and are used for Austrian state banquets even today.
The company passed to his two sons, Arthur and Isidor in 1884 when Josef retired and in 1918 the business was acquired by Arthur Krupp trading as “J.C. Klinkosch AG”.