Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Florence Camard, Ruhlmann, Paris, 2009, cd rom catalogue raisonné (for the design drawing 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; 3. a copy of the Ruhlmann studio photograph of the model. All three 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, and retains its original finish. The work is branded Ruhlmann and with the A atelier mark in three separate places, not two as described in the catalogue. There are beautiful branded numbers on all of the major pieces of the internal frame so matching parts can be properly assembled. There is one small veneer chip to the upper proper left corner of the headboard. Otherwise the veneer shows normal wear. The silvered bronze base with heavy oxidation and discoloration, and the silvered bronze strips on the sides and the headboard are quite dark with tarnish and lifting slightly in a few corners.
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.

Ordered by the family on March 12, 1929, these "deux lits-jumeaux" were the first example of the model to be produced, and have unique dimensions. The archives of the present collection retain both a design drawing of the model (fig. 2) and a studio photograph (fig. 1).