François Linke 1855 - 1946 A Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted plum pudding mahogany bureau à cylindre Paris, late 19th century, index number 40, after the model by Jean-Henri Riesener

the upper structure fitted with three small drawers, the cylinder opening to six filing compartments and a blue leather lined writing slide, above five frieze drawers, the escutcheon has been removed to reveal the FL mark from the bronze master model

Overall in good and fair condition with the usual minor scratches, dents and nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. The bronze mounts have retained their original gilding, but as consistent with age, use and environmental conditions, one can see light wear to high reliefs, light dirt to crevices and some minute oxidation points in places. The marble with the usual minor chips to edges, scratches to surface consistent with age and use. Wear, scratch and stain to blue leather of writing slide. Extensive 1/2 inch gap of loss of wood to writing slide. The department encourages interested parties to use our online e-catalogue's zoom function to enjoy magnified and alternate views of this lot.
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.

Based on the present two digit index number, the present is a very early model in the François Linke oeuvre. See C. Payne, François Linke 1855-1946, The Belle Epoque of French Furniture, Woodbridge, 2003 pp. 37-69, for the chapter dedicated to F. Linke's "First Daybooks, 1881-1898."