Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner: A Guide to the Original
The Wishbone Chair is one of the most recognisable designs in Danish furniture. Created by Hans J. Wegner, it is admired for its graceful silhouette, practical comfort and carefully considered construction. Whether you are furnishing a home or looking for a vintage piece, understanding what “original” means can help you make a more informed choice.
The story behind the Wishbone Chair
Wegner designed the chair in 1949 for the Danish manufacturer Carl Hansen & Søn, which began producing it in 1950 as model CH24. Its curved back and distinctive Y-shaped support give it the nickname “Wishbone Chair”; it is also known as the Y Chair. The design reflects Wegner’s interest in combining traditional craftsmanship with clean, modern forms.
The chair’s light appearance is matched by a thoughtfully engineered structure. Its back and armrest form a continuous curve, while the central Y-shaped piece provides support. A hand-woven paper-cord seat adds a natural texture and makes the chair comfortable for everyday use.
What makes an original CH24?
When people search for an “original Wishbone Chair”, they may mean either a genuine chair made by Carl Hansen & Søn or a vintage example from an earlier period. The CH24 has been made for decades, so an authentic chair does not necessarily have to be old. A newly purchased chair made by the licensed manufacturer is also an original in the sense that it is an authorised production of Wegner’s design.
Vintage examples can vary in condition, wood finish and signs of use. Their age and history may add to their appeal, but these factors should be assessed separately from authenticity. A chair described as “in the style of” Wegner or as a “Wishbone-style” chair may resemble the design without being an authorised CH24.
How to assess authenticity
If you are considering a chair advertised as an original, start by asking for clear photographs and specific details. Useful checks include:
- Maker’s marks: Look for labels, stamps or other manufacturer markings. Their format can vary depending on the chair’s age, so compare them with reliable information for the relevant production period.
- Construction: Examine the shaping of the backrest, the Y-shaped support, the joints and the finish. The craftsmanship should be consistent with a well-made chair, though condition and repairs can affect what you see.
- Materials: CH24 chairs have been made in different woods and finishes. Check that the seller’s description of the materials is plausible and supported by photographs or documentation.
- Seat cord: The woven paper-cord seat is a defining feature. It can be replaced or rewoven, so a new seat does not automatically mean the chair is inauthentic.
- Provenance and paperwork: Receipts, product information or a documented ownership history can be helpful, particularly for a higher-priced vintage example.
- Seller information: Ask whether the chair is a Carl Hansen & Søn CH24, a vintage authorised example or an unauthorised copy. A reputable seller should answer clearly and disclose repairs or replacement parts.
No single detail is always conclusive. Marks can wear away, chairs can be restored, and components may have been replaced over time. For a valuable purchase, consider seeking an independent assessment rather than relying on one photograph or a seller’s wording alone.
Condition, comfort and care
Before buying a vintage chair, inspect the frame for looseness, cracks, repairs and uneven wear. Pay particular attention to the joints and the points where the legs meet the seat rails. Check the paper cord for sagging, fraying or damage, and ask whether it has been rewoven. Re-cording is a normal form of maintenance, but it should be reflected in the chair’s description and price.
To care for a CH24, follow guidance appropriate to its particular wood finish. Keep it away from prolonged direct sunlight and excessive moisture, and clean the paper-cord seat gently. Avoid harsh cleaners, which may damage the finish or fibres. If the chair needs repair, consult a furniture specialist familiar with wooden seating and woven cord.
A lasting Danish design
The Wishbone Chair remains popular because its design balances elegance with everyday function. Its curved frame brings warmth to a dining room, while its compact profile works well in both traditional and contemporary interiors. An authentic CH24—whether newly made or genuinely vintage—offers a connection to Wegner’s design and to a tradition of Danish furniture craftsmanship.
When searching for an original Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner, look beyond the name in the listing. Confirm the maker, ask about condition and alterations, and choose a seller who can explain the chair’s history. Careful research makes it easier to find a piece that suits your home and represents the quality and design you are looking for.
8 Essential Tips for Identifying an Original Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair
- Look for the CH24 model name, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949.
- Check whether the chair was made by Carl Hansen & Søn, its original manufacturer.
- Inspect labels or stamps beneath the seat; details vary by age and edition.
- Expect a hand-woven paper-cord seat on an authentic CH24.
- Check the frame for solid wood and neat, precise joinery.
- Compare the finish and proportions with Carl Hansen & Søn’s official specifications.
- Ask for dated receipts or provenance when buying a vintage chair.
- Treat unusually low prices and vague maker details with caution.
Look for the CH24 model name, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949.
Look for the model name CH24, the official designation for Hans J. Wegner’s Wishbone Chair. Wegner designed it in 1949, and production began in 1950. A CH24 reference can help identify the design, but it is not proof of authenticity on its own—check the maker’s markings, construction and provenance too.
Check whether the chair was made by Carl Hansen & Søn, its original manufacturer.
When checking whether a Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair is original, look for evidence that it was made by Carl Hansen & Søn, the design’s authorised manufacturer. Check for a maker’s label or stamp, and ask the seller for supporting details such as purchase records or provenance. Markings can vary or wear away over time, so consider them alongside the chair’s construction and the seller’s information rather than relying on a single clue.
Inspect labels or stamps beneath the seat; details vary by age and edition.
Inspect the underside of the seat for a maker’s label or stamp, which may help identify a genuine Hans J. Wegner CH24 Wishbone Chair. Markings can differ depending on the chair’s age and edition, and may be worn or missing on vintage examples, so treat them as one clue rather than definitive proof.
Expect a hand-woven paper-cord seat on an authentic CH24.
An authentic Hans Wegner CH24 Wishbone Chair has a hand-woven paper-cord seat, a defining feature that gives the design its distinctive natural texture and comfortable support. When buying, check the weave for signs of wear and ask whether the cord is original or has been replaced; re-cording is a common repair and does not, by itself, mean the chair is unauthentic.
Check the frame for solid wood and neat, precise joinery.
When assessing an original Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair, check that the frame is made from solid wood and that the joints are neat, precise and securely fitted. Cleanly finished joinery and well-shaped components can indicate careful craftsmanship, while loose connections, rough edges or visible gaps may warrant closer inspection. These details alone cannot confirm authenticity, so consider them alongside the maker’s marks, provenance and the seller’s description.
Compare the finish and proportions with Carl Hansen & Søn’s official specifications.
When assessing whether a Wishbone Chair is an original Hans Wegner design, compare its finish and proportions with Carl Hansen & Søn’s official specifications. Check details such as the wood type, colour, surface treatment and overall dimensions, as well as the shape of the curved back and Y-shaped support. These features can help you spot inconsistencies, but they are not definitive proof of authenticity, as finishes may vary by model or age and vintage chairs may have been restored.
Ask for dated receipts or provenance when buying a vintage chair.
When buying a vintage Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair, ask the seller for dated receipts or provenance documents, such as previous sale records or details of its ownership history. These can help support the chair’s age and origin, especially alongside clear photographs of any maker’s marks. Paperwork is not definitive proof on its own, but it can provide useful context and help you make a more confident purchase.
Treat unusually low prices and vague maker details with caution.
Treat unusually low prices and vague maker details with caution when shopping for an original Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair. A genuine CH24 is a carefully crafted piece, so a price far below comparable listings may warrant further investigation. Ask the seller to confirm the manufacturer and provide clear photographs of any labels or stamps, along with details of the chair’s condition, repairs and provenance. A low price is not proof of a fake, but clear, verifiable information can help you buy with confidence.