François Linke 1855 - 1946 A FINE RÉGENCE STYLE GILT BRONZE MOUNTED KINGWOOD AND SATINÉ GRAND PIANO PARIS, made between 1902-1903, the musical instrument by Gaveau

the musical instrument by Gaveau and with serial number 38730, signed F. Linke to the front right hand side espagnolette. Together with a modern F. Linke style piano stool.

Payne, Christopher 'François Linke, 1855-1946, The Belle Epoque of French Furniture', 2003 pp. 449-445

Overall in good condition and presentation. Tarnishing to original gilding of bronze. The carcass with the usual minor chips, dents and scratches consistent with age and use. The instrument will need to be tuned. One key lacking its ivory inlay.
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.

Christopher Payne cites that “most documented pianos by Linke appear to have the movements supplied by the Paris firm of Erard. However there are exceptions….one …from Pleyel… another by Steinway”. The latter, also in satiné, as in the present lot, had monkey mounts “divided by the more typical Linke chutes with female heads….”. Interestingly, since the portion of Payne's book 'François Linke, 1855-1946, The Belle Epoque of French Furniture' was published in 2003, the aforementioned Steinway piano has come up at auction (sold Christie's London, Le Grand Goût, A Private European Collection, June 17, 2009, lot 125 for £ 205,250.) Apart from the instrument, it is the exact same model as the present.  Payne notes that there are no further records and it is thus highly possible that Linke ordered this movement from Gaveau for reasons that may never become clear to us. However, the clear and undisputed Linke provenance is strengthened when comparing a commode in the Linke photographic archive which utilizes the same mounts of two cherubs balancing an anthropomorphic monkey on a rope and the same espagnolettes. The distinctive mounts of the monkey walking a tight-rope held by two infants is directly drawn from the work of the Régence master cabinet maker Charles Cressent. A commode made circa 1749-1755, known as the commode aux enfants balançant un singe, is now in the permanent collection of the Musée du Louvre.