François Linke 1855 - 1946 A LARGE LOUIS XV STYLE GILT BRONZE MOUNTED KINGWOOD, SATINÉ AND BOIS DE BOUT FOLIATE MARQUETRY VITRINE Paris, Early 20th Century, possibly index number 521

fitted with three glazed doors each opening to three glass shelves, the arc en arbalette pediment centered by a large bronze mount of a scalloped shell and flower bud, flanked by acanthus branches above seaweed and two sceptres, each upper corner chute with a dolphin, the lower corner chutes with a scallop and sea shells, numerous mounts with the HF mark

overall in good original condition of gilding. losses to veneers visible to the bottom edge of the central door, each approximately 1 in. square. the mahogany platform inside each side cabinets has been replaced with later un-vennered wood planks, there are no molding inside each doors around the glass panels. it is highly probable that originaly the glass panels were mirrors and now this cabinet has been converted as a vitrine. the proper right end side section is lacking a wood banding to its top of about 2 in. in width.
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.

Possibly a variation of Linke index number 521 ‘Armoire 3 portes Louis XV’, the glass-fronted vitrine became popular in Paris in the 1880s and was one of the first items that Linke made in his workshop when he started in Paris in 1881. Called by Linke a vitrine, armoire or a bibliotheque, the three uses appear to be almost interchangeable in his parlance. Due to the high costs of manufacture, the first models he made were single door until his first double-door example in circa 1900-1901. Indeed his detailed records show that in his early years in the 1880s Linke sold the vitrines without glass, as it was too expensive for him to purchase. The present lot appears to be a variation of his first attempt to make a three-door example, number 521.

The model listed in Linke’s price list under index number 521 was priced at 9,400 French francs in the price list of circa 1900, rising to 48,000 francs for the revision in 1933. However, this example, and the example indicated below, did not have the elaborate marquetry panels.

Footnote courtesy of Christopher Payne