François Linke French, 1855 - 1946 A Louis XV style gilt bronze-mounted and vernis-Martin decorated kingwood, satiné cube parquetry and bois de bout floral marquetry cylinder desk Paris, early 20th century, index number 515

one lock has been removed to reveal the stamp CT. LINKE / SERRURERIE / PARIS

Overall in good condition and presentation with the usual minor hairline scratches and minute nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places also consistent with age and atmospheric conditions through the years. Later hardware elements to both single candle arms. Later hardware replacement to handle of pullout writing surface. Noticeable and extensive vertical crack along the proper right hand side back frame above the leg. Horizontal vertical crack to proper left bombée side. Some up-lifting to cube parquetry veneers of proper right hand bombée side.
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.

This model is listed in Linke’s price list as index number 515, although with very slightly differing sizes to the present lot probably by simple human error or lack of necessity to be accurate to the last millimeter in the Linke showrooms. Listed as ‘Bureau Louis XV 4 faces et lumières’, it was priced at 4,000 French francs in the price list around 1900, rising to 28,000 francs for a revision on the 15thApril 1927. However, no model was made as late as 1927, the last being in 1910 to the order of D’Astoreca of Madrid.

This style of desk was particularly popular during 1980-1910 as Linke made available similar forms with varying decoration, mounts and marquetry as index numbers 242 and 393 and in three different sizes. At this stage of research, is not clear if the carcasses were part of the same plan.

Four desks are recorded under number 515, three with marquetry and a fourth with Vernis Martin panels. Linke commented that the cost of the cabinetwork was too high, his own precise training making him highly critical of his own cabinetmakers if he felt they could have worked more ‘efficiently’. The Linke components are extraordinarily detailed in nature. We know that the cabinetmaker Krumbiegel made the first two oak carcasses; this task took him 1033 hours, in addition to the veneering and the very high cost of casting, chasing gilding and fitting the mounts.

Footnote courtesy of Christopher Payne