August KLEIN - Writing desk, circa 1877

Rare rectangular writing desk in blackened wood, fitted with gilt bronze side handles.

The lid is decorated with rectangular plaques and polychrome champlevé enameled panels in the Neo-Renaissance style. In the center, the enameled gilt-bronze coat of arms of the Austrian knight Jacob Ritter von Jacobi surmounts his motto "LABORE" within a quatrefoil bordered by enameled foliage, all within a medallion on a purple velvet background.

To the left and right are the enameled dates 1837 and 1877.

At the top is the emblem of the Northern Railway Company, and at the bottom, the crowned monogram of the recipient.

The padded purple silk interior contains a large purple silk velvet blotter trimmed with brass cut at the corners and decorated with scrolling foliage.

Marked "August Klein Wien nur Graben 20" on the lock.

With its two keys.

- Writing desk closed : H. 13 x W. 58 x D. 46.5 cm;
- Blotter closed: H. 49 x W. 39 cm.

Jakob Jacobi (1818-1896) was the Secretary General of the Northern Railway Company. North of Emperor Franz Joseph.

By letters patent of December 16, 1868, he was raised by the Emperor of Austria-Hungary to the rank of Knight with the predicate ("Ritter von"), with coat of arms and motto, for merits demonstrated in defending the public interest during negotiations on coal tariffs and military tariffs, and for loyalty to the sovereign and the imperial house.


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