Stock sheets, stock books, ledgers, and assorted papers document the objects, primarily decorative arts pieces, bought and sold by the New York art dealer, French & Company, between 1909 and 1968.

American art dealership based in New York City, French & Company bought and sold decorative arts, as well paintings and sculpture. Mitchell Samuels founded the firm in New York in 1907. Under Mitchell Samuels'directorship French & Company clients included many wealthy American collectors eager for decorative art objects and paintings of European provenance. Among their clients were, J. Paul Getty and William Randolph Hearst. During this period the firm also served as agents and decorators for the Huntingtons, Fricks, Mellons and Astors, among others. Mitchell's son Spencer took over the firm in the 1950s. After his father's death, Spencer sold the firm to City Investing in 1959. In 1968 City Investing sold the firm to Martin Zimet. Much of the French & Company remaining stock of decorative arts objects was sold at auction in 1968. The firm continued under the same name after the 1950s, but with a changing inventory and clientele.

45 lin. ft. (108 boxes)

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