E. Kahn & Cie

E. Kahn & Cie. were active in Paris during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, operating from Avenue Ledru-Rollin, with a London branch in Charlotte Street near Oxford Street, and workshops in Clerkenwell. The firm was known for producing high-quality furniture inspired by leading 18th century makers, including Riesener, Weisweiler, and Stockel. Their work was sufficiently respected that François Linke, one of the most important French cabinetmakers of the period, allowed Kahn to reproduce illustrations of his designs in their catalogues.

Pair of Late 19th Century French Kingwood Bombe Cabinets by E. Kahn

Our Research & Documentation

The Khan cabinets are decorated throughout with ormolu mounts. Nearly all of the brass mounts on both cabinets are stamped on the underside “Kahn”. This is more distinguishable on some mounts than others due to age and surface reactions; however, most stamps became clearer after the mounts were cleaned prior to being refitted to the cabinets. Included in the images above are photographs of the undersides of the mounts showing these stamps.

The Khan cabinets also feature Vachette Frères locks on each cabinet. The reference numbers beneath the stamps are “17” on one and “27” on the other. The locks appear to be identical, which may contradict the earlier suggestion that these numbers relate solely to lock type. This raises the question of what these numbers may instead signify.