FRANÇOIS LINKE (1855 - 1946)A FRENCH GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED KINGWOOD AND TULIPWOOD VITRINE, PARIS, CIRCA 1890 |

fitted with three glazed doors each opening with three glass shelves, signed 'F. Linke' on right hand mount, the lock signed 'Duvivier'

The illustration is accurate. Good overall condition. There are the usual minute restorations to the veneer on a very few places. A lock does not work well and should be checked by a professional. The gilding is nice and very slightly tarnished. Impressive piece which is ready to display.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Possibly a variation of Linke index number 521 ‘Armoire 3 portes Louis XV’, the glass-fronted vitrine became popular in Paris in the 1880s and was one of the first items that Linke made in his workshop when he started in Paris in 1881. Called by Linke a vitrine, armoire or a bibliotheque, the three uses appear to be almost interchangeable in his parlance. Due to the high costs of manufacture, the first models he made were single door until his first double-door example in circa 1900-1901. Indeed his detailed records show that in his early years in the 1880s Linke sold the vitrines without glass, as it was too expensive for him to purchase. The present lot appears to be a variation of his first attempt to make a three-door example, number 521. The model listed in Linke’s price list under index number 521 was priced at 9,400 French francs in the price list of circa 1900, rising to 48,000 francs for the revision in 1933. However, this example, and the example indicated below, did not have the elaborate marquetry panels.

Footnote courtesy of Christopher Payne.

A comparable vitrine has been sold by Sotheby's, New York, 19 April 2013, lot 75 (sold 125 000$).