françois linke A Unique Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted kingwood, sycamore, satiné and mosaïque parquetry bureau plat Paris, circa 1930-36, index number 2056, after the model by Jean François Oeben

the frieze fitted with five drawers, the reverse with dummy drawers, one lock has been removed to reveal the CT. Linke Serrurerie stamp.

C. Payne, François Linke, p. 506, for an illustration of the black and white cliché of index number 2056.

R. Startmann-Döhler, Jean-François Oeben, p. 75; and D. Alcouffe et al., Furniture Collections in the Louvre , Vol. I, p. 183, for illustrations of the 18th century model, circa 1755-1760, by Jean-François Oeben.

Overall in very good condition. Usual minor scratches, nicks and chips to veneers consistent with age and use. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places. The top with scratches and stains consistent with age and use. The inner edge of both sides with molded gilt bronze border all with foliate cast bronze mounts which seem to be either added or broken or inconsistent with design.
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: Bureau Louis XVI transition du Musée de Louvre, bois de satiné fusée et amaranthe dessus cuir trois tiroirs

The present lot is an almost exact copy of the original desk by Oeben, now in the Musée du Louvre, Paris. According to Linke's register, he made four versions of this bureau plat. The first was made in 1913 for a Mr. Foudrer, Commande 1823 at a cost of 1,975 francs 70 centimes. As usual at this date the locks and fittings were supplied by Linke's brother Clement, at a cost of 50 francs 90 on July 31^st 1913. The client ordered a second, slightly smaller desk the following year at a wholesale cost to Linke of 2,307 francs 70 centimes, the new set of locks supplied by Clément at the same price. Both carcasses were made by the redoubtable cabinet maker Marseiller who worked for Linke for over sixty years. The last desk of this model was made in 1930 but not completely finished until 1936. It is likely that the present lot is the 1930 version as it has the highest costs of marquetry and is the only example for costs under the heading of 'Mosaique', the term used by Linke for the elaborate three-dimensional marqetry on the frieze of the present desk.

Footnote courtesy of Christopher Payne.