Hello everyone.
I'm an interior designer needing some help with identification of a pair of very old looking Wassily(-like) chairs. I have done my best to investigate if these are reproductions or original pieces. The chairs appear old, and unfortunately they are not in the best condition. The end caps are smooth and polished/welded. The hex screws do not appear to protrude any. These are not stamped or signed anywhere that I can see. There is a split in the bottom chrome pieces in the middle, and what appears to be two holes underneath on either side of the split. The fabric is canvas, not leather. The measurements appear generally correct.
I am attempting to add some photographs for any help.
I am gratefully appreciate of any help anyone can provide. I am glad to provide more information or answer any questions.
Thank you!
<img class="wpforoimg" src=" http://d1t1u890k7d3ys.cloudfront.net/cdn/farfuture/3Pcj6QSVXj618M-AHWk5owS7QOu_
The welded & polished ends of the steel rods as you described are hallmarks of a legit example, plug in end caps are not.
Do a search here at DA forum & you will find many discussions here about Wassily chairs.
I am not sure when your chairs were made, any legit version made from the 1960s to the present time are authentic reissued reproductions, the examples produced by Thonet, Standard Mobel & others in the 1920s &1930s are considered originals.
I like the canvas sling versions (the heavy kind), this is what Marcel Breuer used when he was pursuing new forms & new alternative methods for upholstering a club/armchair while teaching at the Bauhaus.
Odd bird, JWID.
Your chair has all indication of being produced by Knoll...except that Knoll only offered this chair in leather. Yet I do (faintly) recall sitting in another (like your own) that was clad in a light-weight canvas...or perhaps I don't??. But I'm usually wrong. Not worth restoration, sorry. Not a comfortable chair, sorry. They are an attractive chair, though.
Sorry,
Aunt Mark
Hey JWID,
A friend suggested that your chairs are from the early 1980's, and probably manufactured by Cassini. The canvas was available in natural or grey. yours have had a tough life, it appears (outdoor?). If you should attempt to remove the hex bolts, have a couple of extra arms to help re-assemble. These chairs do not go back together easily (and yes, I've helped a friend with that task). Try cleaning one up..and re-post a picture. The cloth might just snap out of it. They don't seem to sag. Or just refer to them as being "patina'd". The cloth is a much better option for this chair. And as uncomfortable as I find this chair...they are quite lovely to look at.
Best,
Aunt Mark
JWID for your reference, a brief history of an original Wassily at Vitra Museum in canvas by Thonet from 1929...
http://collection.design-museum.de/#/en/object/145135?_k=k3w8la
From MoMA...
https://www.moma.org/collection/works/2851?locale=en
From Cooper Hewitt...
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