François Linke 1855 - 1946 A Louis XV style gilt-bronze mounted kingwood, satiné and fruitwood floral marquetry pedestal Paris, circa 1895-1900, Index number 184

decorated on all four sides, surmounted by a fleur de pêcher molded marble top, signed F. LINKE to one chute.

Overall good condition; scratches to marble top; the marble top with a professional restored crack; the bronze mounts are in their original gilded condition; the veneers of the pedestal are also in very good original condition; the pedestal is lacking its bottom panel.
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: Grande gaine Louis XV a 4 faces bois de violette marqueterie de couleur

This pedestal or gaine can readily be recognized as Linke's work today due to several features, notably the 'crab-like acanthus' cast mounts identified by Christopher Payne in 'Nineteenth Century European Furniture', 1981. According to the Linke Archives only four were made between 1895 and 1910. The first dated annotation is for a fleur de pêcher marble top on 17^th April 1895 with a pencil outline showing the profile of the complexly moulded edge. However further notes, largely undecipherable, show that Linke was considering using brèche violette at a cost of 17 francs more than the fleur de pêcher.

Footnote courtesy of Christopher Payne

A pair of pedestals by Linke of less elaborate form were sold Sotheby's New York 'A Private Collection', Vol I, 26^th October 2006, lot 102, which sold for $110,000

A similar pedestal sold in these rooms, October 24, 2007, lot 338 which sold for $60,000