Gilbert W. Kahn (1903-1975) was born in Morristown, New Jersey on 18 July 1903 to Otto H. Kahn and Adelaide Wolff Kahn. After completing his education at the Groton School and Princeton University, he embarked on a distinguished career in investment banking, spending years at various firms in London, Paris and Berlin. In 1927, he joined Kuhn, Loeb & Company and was appointed as a partner in 1930, following the footsteps of his father and grandfather who both became partners of the firm in 1897 and 1875, respectively. During World War II, he served as a lieutenant commander in the Pacific with the Navy, demonstrating his patriotism and leadership.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Kahn upheld the longstanding family tradition of philanthropic endeavors. He devoted himself to various charitable causes, spanning the arts, education and public health, providing resources for a number of institutions that left a lasting impact. Building on his father’s legacy of support for the Metropolitan Opera, he contributed to the continuous flourishing of classical music during his time. Further, he served as a director of Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital and the New York Education Council, as well as vice president of the Palm Springs Desert Museum.

In addition to his philanthropic giving, Mr. Kahn cultivated a profound appreciation for the arts, maintaining a beautiful collection of aesthetic objects alongside his wife, Polly Stover Kahn. From fine arts to jewelry, the objects reflected Mr. Kahn’s discerning taste and passion for beauty. The present lot was gifted to the current owner from Polly, and exemplifies the exquisite taste of the Kahns and their enduring legacy as patrons of the arts.

An almost identical pendant locket by Erik Kollin with red enamel was sold at Christie's, Geneva, 19 May 1992, lot 274.