Lot 526
KOCH - An enamelled and diamond set brooch by Koch
Auction: Jewellery & Silver
Description
of open oval design, applied to the centre with a rose cut diamond set running horse motif, within a slim black enamelled border applied to the cardinal points with rose cut diamond set crosses, with hinged pin to reverse and additional safety clip and chain, contained in the original fitted case, stamped KOCH...FRANKFURT...
Dimensions
2.8cm x 1.8cm
Footnote
Founded in 1879 by Robert and Louis Koch in Germany. With a parent company in Frankfurt and a branch to Baden-Baden, they gained in 1883 the title of ‘Jeweler of the court’ and worked for lots of European Royal families such as the Czar of Russia or the King of Italy. Their jewels, mainly executed in Hanau by the workshop Kreuter, had great success. Their celebrity extended everywhere in Europe and their production were very fashionable at the beginning of the 20th Century.
Until 1938 the firm continued to be prosperous. In that year, the Koch family lost control when the firm was "aryanized", i.e. taken over by Robert Bosch. The company definitely closed doors in 1987. Jewels from the great time of the Koch House are very much thought after in today's antique jewellery market.