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Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Chair (Fritz Hansen)

White Arne Jacobsen Series 7 chair with chrome legs on a light wood floor, with underside view showing Fritz Hansen mark. - view 1
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Estimated value

$250 - $700

Rarity

Common(2/10)

Category

Interior

Era

Mid-20th Century to Present (post-1955)

Origin

🇩🇰 Denmark

Artist / Creator

Arne Jacobsen

Authenticity

Moderate(65%)
37

THE STORY BEHIND ARNE JACOBSEN SERIES 7 CHAIR (FRITZ HANSEN)

This appears to be an iconic 'Series 7' chair, Model 3107, designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen. The distinct molded plywood shell, forming a single piece for the backrest and seat, is characteristic. The chair's base features four chrome-plated tubular steel legs that attach to a central molded plastic connector, visible from the underside. The white finish suggests a lacquered surface over the plywood.

DESIGN ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Scandinavian ModernismMid-20th Century

The chair exemplifies the functionalist approach and emphasis on natural materials, clean lines, and ergonomic design characteristic of mid-20th century Scandinavian furniture design.

Bauhaus / ModernismEarly to Mid-20th Century

Jacobsen's design continues the modernist tradition of stripping away ornamentation, focusing on industrial production methods, and prioritizing form that follows function.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •The chair is often used in both domestic dining settings and large-scale public spaces (offices, auditoriums, cafes) due to its stackability and durability, reflecting a design for both individual comfort and communal efficiency.

Meaning Through Time

Mid-20th Century (1950s-1970s)

Initially a symbol of modern living, progressive design, and mass-market accessibility for high-quality design.

Late 20th to 21st Century

Evolved into a design classic and icon, representing timeless elegance, discerning taste, and an appreciation for design heritage, rather than just modernity.

DESIGN LINEAGE

The 'Series 7' chair, designed in 1955, is one of the most recognizable and commercially successful pieces of 20th-century furniture. It represents a pinnacle of Danish Modern design, showcasing Arne Jacobsen's mastery of molded plywood techniques developed by Fritz Hansen. Its elegant, minimalist ...
The 'Series 7' chair, designed in 1955, is one of the most recognizable and commercially successful pieces of 20th-century furniture. It represents a pinnacle of Danish Modern design, showcasing Arne Jacobsen's mastery of molded plywood techniques developed by Fritz Hansen. Its elegant, minimalist form and ergonomic comfort have ensured its enduring appeal and place in design history, influencing countless subsequent chair designs.

DESIGN SECRETS

1

The 'Series 7' chair holds the record for the best-selling stackable chair in design history, with millions produced since its introduction.

2

A specially modified 'Series 7' chair was famously used in a 1960 photograph of Christine Keeler, which became an iconic image of the Profumo affair in Britain.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Common20-40%
CommonLegendary

Older mass-produced items still widely available. Easy to find on eBay, antique malls, and estate sales in large quantities.

Typical Characteristics

  • Mass produced historically
  • High survival rate
  • Readily available everywhere

Confidence Factors

  • The 'Series 7' chair is one of the most widely reproduced designs, leading to many non-authentic copies.
  • Without clear close-ups of the Fritz Hansen mark, serial numbers, or construction details of the leg attachment, definitive authentication is challenging.
  • The general construction of the leg attachment visible in the underside shot aligns with known Fritz Hansen models, but more detailed examination is required.
How does authenticity detection work?

DESIGN HISTORIAN'S TAKE

Furniture Historian & Restoration Specialist

Furniture Expert

Confidence is high due to the unmistakable design elements and the visible, albeit partially obscured, manufacturer marking on the underside, strongly indicating an Arne Jacobsen Series 7 chair by Fritz Hansen, but lacking definitive photographic clarity on all authentication features.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Distinctive molded plywood shell form, characteristic of Arne Jacobsen's Series 7 design.
  • 2Chrome-plated tubular steel legs arranged in the standard four-leg configuration for the 3107 model.
  • 3Underside features a molded plastic connector with identifiable 'BY FRITZ HANSEN' text, suggesting manufacturer attribution.
  • 4Overall proportions and contemporary white lacquered finish are consistent with authentic models.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The text 'BY FRITZ HANSEN' is partly obscured, making it hard to confirm the full marking or any potential serial numbers.
  • •Lack of close-up on the screws or other hardware could hide non-authentic components or repairs.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Provide a very clear, high-resolution close-up photo of the mark on the underside, including any serial numbers or other impressions.
  • →Inspect the screws used to attach the legs to the shell structure for type (slotted vs. Phillips) and aging consistency with the chair's purported age.
  • →Check for any signs of original patina or finish wear beneath the white lacquer, which could indicate a refinish or professional restoration.
  • →Examine the plastic glides at the bottom of the legs for wear and originality.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The visible surfaces appear generally clean. Without closer inspection, it's difficult to assess for scratches or chips to the lacquer, common wear on the leg tips, or any looseness in the leg attachments.

Surface

The chair's shell exhibits a smooth, glossy white lacquered finish over what is typically pressure-molded plywood. The tubular steel legs appear to have a bright, polished chrome-plated surface. The underside shows a matte, off-white molded plastic component connecting the legs.

Weight & feel

These chairs are generally quite lightweight due to their molded plywood construction, typically weighing around 4-5 kg (9-11 lbs), making them easy to move and stack.

DESIGN MARKET VALUE

$250 - $700

Updated: Feb 26, 2026

  • Market comparables from auctions & retail
  • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
  • Current collector demand & trends
  • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

BA

bagi
The Keeper•9 items

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