françois linke A gilt-bronze mounted kingwood and basket woven parquetry folding table étagère Paris, Index number 121, circa 1889-1902

the removale étagère inlaid with a basket woven parquetry within boxwood and ebony veneers, supported on a folding x-shaped support, one handle has been removed to reveal the mark FL from the bronze master model. 

Overall in very good condition. Slight tarnishing and wear to gilt bronze and very minor scratches to veneer and carcass in places. Bronzes cleaned but not re-gilt.
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.

Linke title: Table à thé Louis XV en bois de violette et en bois de palissandre vernis

It is difficult to establish exactly when Linke first made this model. The first clear indication is seen in a line drawing in Daybook 5, with chasing carried out on March 8, 1889. The blue and the green registers have the same details indicating that the work on the blue book was simply transferred to the more substantial green folios kept by a clerk rather than Linke himself. This last model was made by Schmitt with mosaïque by Labbé. The eight 'frlatines'(?) were made by Linke's brother Clément for 1francs 60 centimes.

Footnote courtesy of Christopher Payne.