A FRENCH ORMOLU AND PATINATED BRONZE-MOUNTED AMBOYNA CENTRE TABLE

The original model for this table is attributed to Weisweiler and Thomire and was delivered by Rocheux to the Palace of Fontainebleau in 1810 (see J. P. Samoyault, Meubles entres sous le Premier Empire, Paris, 2004, p. 248, no. 176). The design was subsequently copied at the turn of the century by cabinetmakers such as François Linke, who acquired the model at the vente Millet held on 7-9 June 1905 (lot 655). Two years later, he produced his first copy, listed as index number 1390, and completed with a porcelain vase imitating porphyry. The model proved popular and Linke is recorded making further tables centred by a blue porcelain vase supplied by Samson (see C. Payne, François Linke, 1855-1946 - The Belle Epoque of French Furniture, Woodbridge, 2003, p. 208, pl. 228.) Related examples have sold Christie's, New York, 11 April 2007, lot 62 ($57,600) and Christie's, New York, 20 October 2006, lot 317 ($54,000).