françois linke A Unique gilt-bronze mounted mahogany Bibliothèque Paris, index number 1461, made in 1908

surmounted by a brèche violette marble top, the front with two large doors fronted by trellis brass panels each opening to three shelves separated by three narrow doors, each opening to four mahogany shelves, signed F. Linke to the top right hand corner, one lock has been removed to the reveal the CT. Linke sérrurerie stamp and numbered 1461, with one original key numbered 1461. 

Overall in good condition with the usual minor scratches, dents and nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Slight tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places. The marble top has been broken and has been professionally restored. Still with minor chips and nicks in places. The trellis doors formerly with green silk fabric now lacking. The shelves with extensive scratches. The reverse of the doors with scratches and later ink numerals in places. The right side of the cabinet with extensive white paint drops. The bronze cast border beneath the marble top at the right hand side with extensive white drops of paint.
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: Bibliothèque Louis XIV en bois d'acajou assortie au bureau 795; hauteur 1.80; largeur 1.90

According to the Linke records, this bookcase is a pièce unique and was originally conceived to compliement Linke's writing desk index number 795, conceived in circa 1900. It was ordered in 1908 for the firm of Sahores et Ojeda at 32 rue de l'Opera for a Mr. Oyarragaray, the invoice sent out on 28^th January 1909 at a total of 11,000 French francs was for a complete 'cabinet de travail Louis XIV régence', comprising the present lot, the companion writing desk, six chairs and a desk chair as well as a small table. The cabinet making was by Rimestad, chasing of the bronzes by Feret and Linke's brother, Clément, provided the locks and hinges at a cost of 80 francs 75 centimes. By way of comparison, Huve supplied the brèche violette marble top for 85 francs. The total cost of making this bookcase in 1908 was 1,669 francs and the retail price 4,200 francs. Clearly Linke had quite heavily discounted the ensemble as a whole.

Footnote courtesy of Christopher Payne.