Wegner Wishbone Chair: How to Recognise an Original
The Wishbone Chair is one of the best-known designs by Danish furniture designer Hans J. Wegner. Officially known as the CH24, it was designed in 1949 for Carl Hansen & Søn, which began producing it in 1950. Its sculptural back, curved top rail and distinctive Y-shaped support have made it a familiar sight in homes and design collections around the world.
Its popularity also means that “Wishbone-style” chairs are widely made by other manufacturers. If you are looking for an original Wegner Wishbone Chair, it helps to understand its design, materials and the signs that can support its authenticity.
What makes the CH24 distinctive?
Wegner’s design combines a light, elegant appearance with thoughtful construction. The rounded top rail curves down towards the arms, while the forked wooden backrest gives the chair its familiar wishbone shape. The frame is made from shaped timber, and the seat is woven by hand from paper cord.
The chair’s appeal lies in the balance between its clean lines and the visible work involved in making it. The woven seat, smooth curves and carefully joined frame are not simply decorative details: they are central to the design. The CH24 has been produced in a range of woods and finishes over the years, so an original chair may look very different from another authentic example.
Original, vintage or “in the style of”?
An original CH24 is a chair made by Carl Hansen & Søn under its authorised production. A vintage original is an older example of that chair. By contrast, a chair described as “in the style of Wegner” or “Wishbone style” may share the silhouette but is made by another company and is not an original CH24.
These descriptions can be easy to confuse in online listings. Check the maker and model details rather than relying on terms such as “Danish style”, “inspired by” or “replica”. If the listing does not clearly identify the manufacturer, ask the seller for more information.
What to check when buying an original
- Maker information: Look for labels, stamps or other identifying marks associated with Carl Hansen & Søn. Their format and position can vary between periods, and some marks may be difficult to see.
- Construction: Examine the frame, joints and finish. An original should show careful, consistent workmanship, particularly around the curved top rail, arms and backrest.
- Seat weaving: The paper-cord seat is hand-woven. Check its condition, tension and overall finish. A worn seat may need repair or replacement, which can affect the chair’s price.
- Condition and alterations: Ask whether the chair has been refinished, repaired or re-woven. Restoration is not necessarily a drawback, but it is useful to know what has been changed.
- Provenance: Receipts, old photographs or other records can help establish a chair’s history, although documentation may not always be available for vintage furniture.
No single feature should be treated as definitive proof of authenticity. Labels can be lost, replaced or obscured, and details may differ between production periods. If you are considering a costly vintage example, request clear photographs and, where possible, seek an assessment from a reputable vintage furniture specialist or authorised retailer.
Choosing the right Wishbone Chair
Think about how the chair will be used as well as how it looks. A newly made CH24 offers a fresh finish and an unworn seat, while a vintage chair may bring age, patina and a sense of history. Compare the condition of the frame and paper cord, ask about delivery and returns, and confirm exactly which maker is being offered.
The Wegner Wishbone Chair remains enduringly popular because its design feels both distinctive and practical. Whether you choose a new CH24 or a carefully selected vintage original, understanding the difference between an authentic chair and a lookalike helps you buy with confidence—and appreciate the craftsmanship behind this classic design.
6 Essential Tips for Identifying and Caring for an Original Wegner Wishbone Chair
- Look for the CH24 model, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949.
- Check for Carl Hansen & Søn markings when assessing authenticity.
- The distinctive Y-shaped back gives the chair its name.
- Original chairs have a solid-wood frame and hand-woven paper-cord seat.
- Inspect the cord for sagging, breaks or uneven repairs.
- Keep the chair away from direct heat and prolonged damp.
Look for the CH24 model, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949.
Look for the CH24 model designation when checking whether a chair is an original Wegner Wishbone Chair. Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949, the CH24 has the distinctive curved backrest, Y-shaped support and woven seat associated with the design. However, the model name alone does not prove authenticity, so check the maker’s markings and ask the seller for clear details about the chair’s age and provenance.
Check for Carl Hansen & Søn markings when assessing authenticity.
When assessing whether a Wegner Wishbone Chair is an original CH24, check for Carl Hansen & Søn labels, stamps or other maker’s markings. Their appearance and placement can vary between production periods, and markings may be worn or missing on older chairs, so they should be considered alongside the chair’s construction, materials and provenance rather than as conclusive proof on their own.
The distinctive Y-shaped back gives the chair its name.
The Wishbone Chair’s distinctive Y-shaped back is the detail that gives the design its familiar name. It supports the curved backrest while creating the light, sculptural silhouette that makes Hans J. Wegner’s chair instantly recognisable.
Original chairs have a solid-wood frame and hand-woven paper-cord seat.
An original Wegner Wishbone Chair (CH24) has a solid-wood frame and a seat hand-woven from paper cord. These materials are central to the chair’s character and construction: the shaped timber gives it its distinctive curves, while the woven seat adds a tactile, practical finish. When assessing a chair, look closely at the quality of the joinery and weaving, but remember that materials alone do not prove authenticity—check the maker’s details and provenance too.
Inspect the cord for sagging, breaks or uneven repairs.
Inspect the paper-cord seat for sagging, broken strands or uneven repairs. A seat that dips noticeably or has loose, damaged cord may need professional re-weaving, which can affect both the chair’s comfort and its value. Repairs are not necessarily a reason to rule out a vintage original, but ask who carried them out and whether the work has been done evenly and securely.
Keep the chair away from direct heat and prolonged damp.
Keep your original Wegner Wishbone Chair away from direct heat, such as radiators and fires, as changes in temperature can dry out or damage the wood and paper-cord seat. Avoid prolonged damp, too, which may cause the timber to swell or the natural fibres to weaken. Place the chair in a well-ventilated room and wipe up spills promptly to help preserve its condition.