In 1908, cabinetmaker Carl Hansen opened his first small workshop near Odense, Denmark, where he created furniture by hand in the preferred Victorian style of the times. Later, Carl Hansen & Søn would become one of the most prestigious furniture manufacturers in Denmark. The firm has produced timeless masterpieces of Scandinavian modernism by iconic designers Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Børge Mogensen and others.
Hansen expanded his operations by 1915 due to high demand. The larger factory allowed room for more modern machinery and a staff of many journeymen who produced a small series of their most popular pieces, including coffee tables, cabinets and sculptural, inviting armchairs. The firm became known for marrying the finest handmade craftsmanship with efficient production processes.
The Great Depression of the 1930s saw worldwide furniture sales plummet, and many furniture manufacturers were forced to shutter their workshops. At the age of 23, furniture maker Carl Hansen’s youngest son, Holger, took control of his father’s factory and piloted it through the era’s uncertain waters.
Holger Hansen’s youthful enthusiasm, innovative spirit, and intuitive business savvy kept their company afloat. He believed in the quality of the firm’s work and the cutting-edge designs that were produced at its factory, which emerged from modest beginnings to become a pivotal piece of the history of Danish furniture.
Owing to Holger’s leadership, Carl Hansen & Søn emerged from the Great Depression and entered into creative alliances with many acclaimed Danish masters of mid-century design, including Kaare Klint, Børge Mogensen, Arne Jacobsen, Ole Wanscher, Frits Henningsen and Poul Kjærholm.
None of these partnerships proved as prolific as their relationship with Hans Wegner, however. In 1949, the cabinetmaker moved to Denmark’s Funen Island and was staying in Holger’s family home, as the then-Carl Hansen CEO had commissioned Wegner to create a chair for the company that was similar to his popular China chair of 1944.
Wegner began to work closely with the company’s craftsmen and devised a streamlined chair with a Y-shaped back and woven paper-cord seat. The legendary Wishbone chair, which still involves nearly 100 processes and takes weeks to make, has been in continuous production since its 1950 debut.
Family-owned since its inception, Carl Hansen & Søn has manufactured some of the most extraordinary chairs, sofas and lounge chairs for living room relaxation in the history of design. Their dining room tables and chairs run the gamut in style and functionality, from everyday comfort to elegant entertaining. The company’s impressive roster of contemporary designers includes renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the Vienna-based design firm EOOS and celebrated American industrial designer Brad Ascalon. They remain the world’s largest producer of Wegner’s furniture and still enjoy a collaborative relationship with the Hans J. Wegner Studio.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Carl Hansen chairs, case pieces and other furniture.
Hans J. Wegner Early Stamped Carl Hansen & Son CH-24 "Wishbone" Chair, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare model "CH-24" / "Wishbone" chairs from the very early years of the Carl Hansen & Sons production of Hans J. Wegner's iconic chair. The condition of both chairs is amazing and th...
Papercord, Oak
Hans Wegner vintage Wishbone CH-24 for Carl Hansen, 1970's edition
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in PARIS, FR
Hans Wegner Wishbone CH-24 for Carl Hansen, 1950, sold as a set of 4 and we have 6 in total. This iconic model also known as the "Wishbone chair" is in oak and Danish rope, designed ...
Papercord, Oak
Hans Wegner vintage Wishbone CH24 for Carl Hansen, 1970's edition
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in PARIS, FR
Hans Wegner Wishbone CH24 for Carl Hansen in oak and Danish rope, designed by Hans Wegner in 1950 and this produced in 1973, so when the craftmanship was still mainly manual. This ic...
Papercord, Oak
$1,750 / item
Hans Wegner Elbow Chair in Soaped Oak
By Carl Hansen
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
With a long history of amazing craftsmanship, dating back to the beginning of the company in 1908 in Odense, Denmark, Carl Hansen & Son is deeply rooted in the Danish Design Movement...
Leather
$3,394Sale Price|20% Off
Set of four CH24 Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen, Wishbone chairs. Denmark 1960
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Torino, IT
Set of four CH24 Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen, Wishbone chairs. Denmark 1960
Oak
Wishbone Chair Model CH 24 by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen, 1960's
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Barcelona, ES
Wishbone chair model CH 24 designed in 1949 by Hans Wegner and produced in 1960 by Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark. Old edition in black lacquered beech wood frame with new papercord seat.
Papercord, Beech
$1,750 / item
Hans Wegner Elbow Chair in Soaped Oak by Carl Hansen
By Carl Hansen
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
The Hans Wegner Elbow Chair is an iconic piece of mid-century modern design. Constructed with a durable soaped oak frame, it provides both stre...
Leather, Oak
Hans Wegner Sawbuck Chair
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
A Danish oak and leather armchair. Designed by Hans Wegner Name - Sawbuck chair Model Number - CH-28 armchair was designed by Hans Wegner in 195...
Oak, Leather
$1,470 / item
H 28.7 in W 21.3 in D 18.5 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH20' Chair in Oak, Black Leather and Soap for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH20' Chair in Oak, Black Leather and Soap for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first wor...
Leather, Wood, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner cushions for wishbone chair model CH24. Made in black leather and good quality foam. Only the cushion, not the chair.
Leather
Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner cushions for wishbone chair model CH24. Made in black leather and good quality foam. Only the cushion, not the chair.
Leather
$7,966 / set
H 29.53 in W 20.48 in D 19.69 in
Hans Wegner CH30 Dining Chairs Carl Hansen, Denmark, 1950
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning set of 6 dining chairs model CH30 designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son, Odense Denmark 1950. These chairs are an early design by Wegner as they w...
Faux Leather, Oak, Teak
$1,000
H 28.7 in W 21.3 in D 18.5 in
2022 Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen CH20 Elbow Chair Oak with Caramel Leather Pad
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a CH20 Elbow Dining Chair made with a solid oak frame and caramel leather seat. The chair, designed by Hans Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark, dates to circ...
Leather, Oak, Foam
$1,580 / item
H 28.7 in W 21.3 in D 18.5 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH20' Chair in Oak, Black Leather & Oil for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH20' Chair in Oak, Black Leather & Oil for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first worksh...
Leather, Wood, Oak
$1,315 / item
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak & Soap for Carl Hansen & Son
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' chair in oak & soap for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitment to...
Papercord, Oak, Wood
$94 / item
H 1.19 in W 17.33 in D 16.15 in
Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24, Canvas & Leather
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner cushions for wishbone chair model CH24. Made in canvas with leather tubing and good quality foam. Only the cushion, not the chair.
Leather
Early Production Hans Wegner CH24 Wishbone Chair
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this early production example of Hans Wegner's iconic CH24 Wishbone chair manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son. It features a red lacquer finish and woven pape...
Papercord, Wood
$702 / item
H 28.75 in W 21.66 in D 20.08 in
Wishbone Chair Model CH24 By Hans J. Wegner For Carl Hansen & Søn
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Lejre, DK
The Wishbone chairs, model CH24, designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son, are exemplary pieces of Scandinavian Modern furniture. Crafted from black painted w...
Papercord, Wood
Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner cushions for wishbone chair model CH24. Magrethe wool from Nevotex and good quality foam. Only the cushion, not the chair.
Leather
Danish Vintage CH-23 Chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and iconic Danish vintage CH-23 chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen. This was made in Denmark, it is an early production and dates from the 1950’s. The quality is super...
Papercord, Beech, Teak
Carl Hansen CH07 Shell Chairs, Set of Two
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the Carl Hansen CH07 Shell Chair, a hallmark of Danish design. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this chair features a beaut...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Hans Wegner WISHBONE Chairs, Set of 10
By Carl Hansen
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Artist/Designer; Manufacturer: Hans Wegner (Danish, 1914-2007); Carl Hansen (Denmark) Marking(s); notes: Carl Hansen label (some), marking(s) Materials: ebonized hardwood (possibly b...
Rush, Wood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 20.87 in D 19.3 in
Pair of Danish Vintage CH-23 Chairs by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and iconic pair of Danish vintage CH-23 chairs by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen. They were made in Denmark, they are early productions and date from the 1950’s. The qualit...
Papercord, Birch, Teak
Hans Wegner WISHBONE Chairs, Set of 10
By Carl Hansen
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Artist/Designer; Manufacturer: Hans Wegner (Danish, 1914-2007); Carl Hansen (Denmark) Marking(s); notes: Carl Hansen label (some), marking(s) Materials: ebonized hardwood (possibly b...
Rush, Wood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 21.66 in D 20.87 in
Hans J. Wegner Early Stamped Carl Hansen & Son CH-24 "Wishbone" Chair, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
An extremely rare model "CH-24" / "Wishbone" chair from the very early years of the Carl Hansen & Sons production of Hans J. Wegner's iconic chair. The condition of this chair is ama...
Papercord, Oak
Sold
H 28.55 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in
Hans Wegner, Wishbone Chair, Model CH24, circa 1953, in Beech and Paper Cord
By Illums Bolighus, Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Hans J Wegner, Wishbone Chair, model CH24, made by Carl Hansen circa 1953 and retailed by Copenhagen department store Illums Bolighus (bears label) Early example with beautifully ...
Papercord, Beech
Pair of Hans Wegner CH-27 Oak and Cane Chairs
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
These chairs are a highly collectible 1951 design by Hans Wegner and made by Carl Hansen. The pair of Danish modern chairs are striking organic forms of solid oak and voids through which a beautiful cane seat and back are woven. The chairs are in all original condition with only minor wear to the cane - only a few strands are broken and these do not affect the overall integrity of the seat and back. It is rare to find a pair of original Hans Wegner cane chairs...
Cane, Oak
Sold
H 29.14 in W 21.66 in D 20.87 in
Hans J. Wegner Set of 6 Early Stamped Carl Hansen & Sons Wishbone Chairs, 1950s
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
An extremely rare collection of 6 model "CH-24" / "Wishbone" chairs from the very early years of the Carl Hansen & Sons production of Hans J. Wegner iconic chair. All chairs are stam...
Papercord, Oak
Rare Hans Wegner CH-27 Oak and Cane Chairs
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Highly collectible 1951 design by Hans Wegner and made by Carl Hansen. Striking organic forms of solid oak and voids through which a beautiful cane seat and back are woven. All origi...
Cane, Oak
Sold
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 20.08 in
Set of 4 Chairs "ch24 Wishbone Chair" Design Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen, 1950
By Carl Hansen, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in taranto, IT
rare lot of 4 original CH24 chairs, also known as "wishbone chairs", designed in 1949 by hans wegner for Carl hansen made of black lacquered wood, original factory, seat in rope, ...
Cord, Wood
Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen CH28P Chair
By Carl Hansen
Located in London, GB
The CH28P lounge chair in by Hans J. Wegner was originally designed in 1951 and displays premium craftsmanship and extraordinary comfort. This chair, produced in the 2000s and made of Light Oak and Black Leather, strikes a balance between form and function as evidenced by its elegant design elements and rounded edges. The armrests are carefully smoothed and made to best show of the materials that are used throughout. The dynamic between the curved backrest and straightened legs helps to make this design interesting and catching to the eye. This striking example of the 'Sawbuck' has its original labels on the underside of its base. About the designer: Among Danish furniture designers, Hans J. Wegner is considered one of the most creative, innovative and prolific. Often referred to as the master of the chair...
Oak