A fine gilt-bronze mounted kingwood and vernis Martin decorated Vitrine à deux corps Paris, circa 1880-85

the lower structure fitted with a frieze drawer and a cupboard door, the vitrine with bevelled front and side glass panels and opening to five glass shelves.

Extensive tarnishing to feet with dirt in places. Some cracqueleur to the vernis Martin consistent with age. Minor traces of conservation to veneers with some minor losses to veneers around edges. Overall in good condition with the usual minor scratches, dents and nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The style of this cabinet is closely related to those produced in the Paris furniture making trade in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine in the 1880s and as such, without a signature or identifying mark, is unattributable. However, there are similarities with the firm of Roux et Brunet, some of whose mounts were designed by Léon Messagé and later used by François Linke. Indeed many of the mounts on the present lot, whilst not exclusive to him, are very similar to the work he produced in his early years in Paris in the 1880s. At this time Linke was making furniture to order for larger makers such as Krieger or retail outlets such as Bon Marché and as such he did not sign or mark his furniture in any way. It is thus quite possible that the present vitrine is an early piece by Linke but a firm attribution cannot be made without more documentation becoming available.

Footnote courtesy of Christopher Payne.