Antique silver toilet set for the Duke of Parma by Josef Carl Klinkosch

Antique silver toilet set for the Duke of Parma by Josef Carl Klinkosch
Austrian, Late 19th Century
Mirror: Height 57cm, width 53cm, depth 4cm, depth when open 36cm
Case: Height 21cm, width 60cm, depth 66cm
 
Crafted by Josef Carl Klinkosch (Austrian, 1822-1888), the imperial silversmith to Emperor Franz Joseph (1830-1916) and Empress Sisi (1837-1898), this toilet set consists of 22 silver and engraved glass pieces. It is believed to have been made as a wedding gift to Elias, Duke of Parma (1880-1959) and the Archduchess Maria-Anna of Austria (1882-1940) celebrated on 25th May 1903 in Vienna.
The set includes: a cartouche-shaped mirror with an ebonised back and easel support, a pair of scent bottles and stands, a pair of circular boxes, a pin cushion, three graduated shaped oblong boxes, a chamberstick, a hand mirror, a table-bell, an oval basin, a pair of candlesticks, a beaker, two clothes brushes, a hairbrush, and an oval tray. Each piece is crafted in the playful Rococo style, first popular in 18th century France, with various scrolls, and nature-inspired motifs interspersed on the silver and glass pieces.
 
The coats of arms of the Duke of Parma and Archduchess Maria-Anna of Austria are engraved on all pieces, further alluding to the fact that the set was crafted specifically for them.
 
An original leather-covered wooden case lined with red velvet comes with the set. In several places ‘3003’ is painted on the case and there are the remains of some paper labels, one of them reading ‘Eigentum Ihrer / K. u. K. **/ der ** / Erzherzogi** / Marie-Anne'. Inside the case is a gilt embossed maker’s stamp reading 'J.C. KLINKOSCH / vorm. MAYERHOFER & KLINKOSCH / K. u K. HOF u. KAMMER-LIEFERANT / WIEN'.
All pieces in this set are hallmarked and include the maker’s mark.
 
Of a charming design and with a royal provenance, this toilet set would be a wonderful gift for a special occasion.
 
The silver weighs approximately 2666 grammes.
 
Artist/Maker: Josef Carl Klinkosch