Inscribed with the Cyrillic makers mark 'ГК' for Gustav Klingert, this fine piece was made in Moscow, 1899-1908, with 84 zolotnik silver. It is a napkin ring, a small highly collectible item, and a symbol of late Tsarist Russian aristocratic lifestyle and sophistication, and is decorated with elegant work in silver-gilt and cloisonne enamel, a typical combination of crafts in Russian work around this time.
Gustav Klingert (in Russian: Густав Клингерт), was originally from Germany, and he began his career working as a master for Fabergé, founding his own factory in Moscow in 1865. In 1889 he exhibited at the Exposition Universelle in Paris to great acclaim. His sons continued the firm after him until the outbreak of the Russian Revolution. This piece is decorated beautifully with floral motifs in the colours of the Russian tricolour, and is fine example of this firm and Russian crafts and history in the late Imperial period.
Provenance-+
Sotheby's Geneva, Sale 16 May 1985, Lot 360 Sotheby’s Australia, Sale 15 April 2014, Lot 111