Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Florence Camard, Ruhlmann: Master of Art Deco, New York, 1984, p. 285 (for a period illustration of the model)

The winning bidder of the lot will receive copies of the following documents in the family archives: 1. a copy of the certificate of authenticity for this work, signed by Ruhlmann and sent to the client on September 15, 1933; 2. a copy of the design drawing of the model. Both of these documents are illustrated in the online catalogue. The winning bidder of the lot will also receive copies of the following documents in the family archives: 1. First proposal letter from Gaston Rousseau, Maison Ruhlmann dated 30 August 1928; 2. Revised proposal letter from Gaston Rousseau, Maison Ruhlmann dated 17 January 1929; 3. Letter from the clients to Rousseau confirming the order on 12 March 1929; 4. Letter from Rousseau dated 9 July 1929 acknowledging receipt of down payment; 5. First invoice from Maison Ruhlmann, dated 21 August 1929; 6. Final invoice from Maison Ruhlmann, dated 18 January 1930. Overall, the work is in superb condition. The table was refinished circa 1960, and was cleaned and waxed last month by a professional restorer. The macassar ebony veneer is in spectacular shape throughout the work, and the top surface shows only a few faint lines of scuffing on the outer leaves. The extension leaves open with ease, having been oiled by the restorer. There are a few extremely minor chips to the veneer on the base. The silvered bronze plates on the supports and base with oxidation, discoloration, and remnants of old polish, and the bottom two horizontal plates along the base show heavy wear, and are dinged and nicked from the sabots of the dining chairs. Under the table top are the wire remnants of a call button for servants.
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.

The present lot was ordered by the family on March 12, 1929, and was invoiced as "table de Salle à Manger modèle 1014."  A design drawing of the table in the archives of the present collection (fig. 1) is marked on the reverse with both systems of numbering: 1306/ancient no. 1014.  In the 1933 certificate issued by Ruhlmann, the work is described as "Table (Vuillerme), modèle no. 1306, exemplaire no. 5" and that the dimensions of the table are unique to the piece.  Other documented examples of the model have tops in shagreen or with ivory lattice work. The "Vuillerme" model flips the lyre-supports of the Italianate dining table exhibited in the Hôtel du Collectionneur and mounts them on an ogee-moulded base.