François Linke 1855 - 1946 A GILT BRONZE MOUNTED KINGWOOD AND SATINÉ CUBE PARQUETRY TABLE À THÉ Paris, circa 1910, index number 1009

fitted with a removable two-handled glazed tray and supported on four triton supports amongst seaweed, the plateau itself fitted with two handles, scallop shell mounts centering each side, signed F. Linke to the molding of the upper plateau

Payne, Christopher 'François Linke, 1855-1946, The Belle Epoque of French Furniture', 2003. See p. 175, pl. 190 & p.183, pl. 198 for illustrations of this Linke model at St. Louis in 1904 & Liège in 1905.

 

Overall in good original condition, with its original gilding. With the usual minor scratches, dents and nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places. Please note that one oak leaf is missing to the inside of one of the triton supports.
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.

This model is listed in Linke’s price list as index number 1009, the size exactly the same as the present lot. Listed as ‘Table à thé Louis XV ronde modele’, it is based on the earlier rectangular model number 610 which was exhibited at the 1900 exhibition and priced at 1,850 French francs in the price list of circa 1900, rising to 12,000 francs for the revision in December 1926.

Linke made fifteen very different styles of the ubiquitous table à thé, one of the most endearing and practical of his oeuvre both for the early 1900’s and for modern living. Within these fifteen models there were often many variations of the bronze mounts, and some tables incorporated a stretcher as an alternative. The present lot was one of the few that were made without variations, probably as a refinement when Linke had a clearer idea of his clientele’s wishes as the century progressed.

Footnote courtesy of Christopher Payne