Desk By François Linke, France, Late 19th Century

Flat desk, called in French "bureau plat de milieu", with inlaid cubes in rosewood veneer frames, opening with three drawers on one side and simulated drawers on the other, resting on four arched legs.
Decorated with a rich gilded bronze trim such as : a moulding with men's head clasps, gadrooned mobile handles, acanthus leaves, side masks, falls with faun heads, clawed hooves, etc.
Top covered with brown gilded leather.
Signed "Linke" on the moulding, the reverses of the handles marked "LF", the insides of the locks "CT LINKE PARIS".
This model is similar to the one used by François Linke in his personal office (see photo taken from the book "Paris, la quintessence du meuble au XIXe siècle" by Christopher Payne).
Exceptional quality, very fine original condition.
France, circa 1890.

The clock is sold separately.