August Klein (1824-1890), began his career as a bookbinder and leather worker. After moving from Nuremberg to Vienna in 1845, he established his own business in 1847, which was highly successful, and by 1854, had expanded its range into high-quality metal and wood wares. The business became famous for luxury and fashion. Klein opened a branch in Paris in 1856 and in London in 1863 and his work received numerous awards at exhibitions. He was made a Knight of Honor by Emperor Franz Joseph in 1881 and granted the Imperial Warrant (Supplier to the Court).