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How do I identify bentwood chairs?

1 Answer
How do I identify bentwood chairs?
To identify a bentwood chair, search the piece for a maker's mark. Most often, you will find it under the seat. Once you have located the marking, consult trusted online resources to learn more about the maker. From there, you can find chairs similar to yours in online catalogues to gain more information about your piece. Another option is to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer assist you with the identification process. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of bentwood chairs.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
Shop for Bentwood Chairs on 1stDibs
Vintage Two-Seat Cinema Bench from TON, 1960s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This two-seat cinema bench was produced by Ton (former Thonet) in former Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. The chairs are stable and can be placed anywhere. It is made of beech wood, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Chairs

Materials

Wood, Bentwood, Plywood

Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armchair with Wood Legs - All Original - Blue
Located in Decatur, GA
All-Original Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair in Blue Upholstery with Wood Legs, for Knoll circa 1960s A timeless mid-century modern executive armchair designed by Eero Saarinen for...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bentwood

Set of 2 THONET S320 Stacking Chairs designed by Ulrich Boehme & Wulf Schneider
Located in Schwerin, MV
Set of 2 Thonet S 320 Armchairs in stained reddish-brown plywood and chrome plated Steel, Germany, 1980s A striking set of four original Thonet S 320 armc...
Category

Vintage 1980s German Post-Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Original Josef Hoffmann & Kohn Jacob Chair from 1914
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare undocumented chair by Josef Hoffmann and J&J Kohn. An identical chair with leather upholstery is available as well.
Category

Vintage 1910s Austrian Jugendstil Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Set of 4 Frank Gehry for Knoll "Hat Trick" Bentwood Dining Chairs, Smoked Gray
Located in San Diego, CA
Designed by Frank Gehry for Knoll and produced in the United States in 1997, this exceptional set of four "Hat Trick" dining chairs represents one of the most important furniture designs of the late twentieth century. Part of the celebrated Gehry Collection, these sculptural chairs demonstrate the designer's groundbreaking exploration of bent laminated wood, transforming a humble material into a sophisticated work of functional art. The design is composed of gracefully curving maple ribbons that flow continuously from the legs through the seat and into the dramatic open backrest. The resulting form appears almost woven, creating a striking interplay of positive and negative space while maintaining exceptional strength and stability. Gehry's innovative approach challenged traditional assumptions about furniture construction, producing a chair that is at once architectural, sculptural, and remarkably comfortable. This set retains an uncommon smoked gray maple finish that beautifully accentuates the layered bentwood construction and fluid contours of the design. The finish highlights the natural grain of the maple veneers while lending the chairs a refined contemporary presence. Original production stamps, factory markings, and 1997 manufacturing dates remain present to the undersides, further confirming their authenticity and early production status. The Hat Trick chair is among the most recognizable and collectible designs from the Gehry Collection and is represented in important public and private collections worldwide. Equally suited for use as dining, conference, or accent seating, these chairs function as both practical furnishings and sculptural design statements. A rare opportunity to acquire a matching set of four early production Frank Gehry for Knoll Hat Trick...
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood, Maple, Bentwood

Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Armchair with Wood Legs - All Original
Located in Decatur, GA
All-Original Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair in red Upholstery with Bentwood Legs, for Knoll circa 1960s A timeless mid-century modern executive armchair designed by Eero Saarinen ...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bentwood

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