The price is for the pair
A striking pair of ‘Wassily’ chairs — a “design” originally created by Marcel Breuer in the 1920s.
This particular pair was produced in Italy during the late 1970s–80s. These Bauhaus-inspired icons remain as collectible and relevant today as ever, combining seamless chrome frames with Italian-embossed leather seats.
This pair displays all the hallmarks of high-quality Italian manufacture:
- Embossed seats marked “1‑05 © MADE IN ITALY,” consistent with late 1970s/80s Italian production.
- Recessed hex (Allen) screws and sleeved joints, with cleanly machined chrome tubing – a sign of careful craftsmanship.
- Precision-fitted metal end caps on the horizontal stretcher bars.
Research into these capped stretcher ends shows some contrasting information: a few sources suggest that certain late Italian licensed runs adopted precision-fit metal caps instead of fully welded closures, while the majority of archival evidence points to welded ends as the standard for licensed Knoll/Gavina production.
To maintain integrity and transparency, we are presenting these as exceptionally high-quality vintage Italian reproductions rather than confirmed licensed Knoll chairs.
The leather shows minor age and minor surface scuffing, typical of split leather used in this era. These straps are valued for their firmness and patina, though they differ from the full-grain leather used in earlier runs.
Important Note on Authenticity
While every detail – from proportions to embossed seats and recessed hardware – aligns with licensed Italian manufacture, the capped stretcher ends require us to classify these as extremely well-made late 1970s–80s Italian reproductions rather than licensed Knoll chairs.
This cautious, research-driven classification allows us to present them with integrity and transparency. They remain far superior to modern budget reproductions, representing a faithful vintage build of outstanding quality.
Why They Matter
Breuer’s Wassily chair remains a Bauhaus masterpiece, celebrated for its radical use of tubular steel and stripped-back form. These chairs bring architectural elegance, collectible value, and comfort to any modern interior.
Condition:
- Frames & Chrome: Excellent vintage condition with minor marks from age
- Seats: Original split leather with light surface wear and minor repaired areas
- Newly fitted protective foot pads
In summary
These chairs are good Italian craftsmanship from the late 1970s–80s, built to the same dimensions and standards as Knoll-era designs, with capped stretcher ends. Priced fairly, they offer a superb way to own a classic Bauhaus design.
Dimensions of Chrome Frame:
78cm W X 67cm D X 73cm H
Floor to seat: 42.5cm H.
Shipping Information:
If you are purchasing an item and you are based in Cape Town, Durban, or any area outside Gauteng, please select the 'LOCAL PICK-UP' option at check-out and do not choose a shipment option.
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After your purchase is complete, you are welcome to arrange your own method of transport. If you require our assistance, we can help you obtain a shipping quote based on the dimensions of the item(s) you have bought. Please email us at shop@retrend.co.za so we can provide cost estimates for shipping to your area from our preferred suppliers. For more detailed information, please refer to our shipping policy.
Note/Disclaimer:
Our images form part of the item/s description. Although every effort is made to refurbish our furniture to represent its original state best, it must be noted that most of the items we source date from the 1950s to the late 1970s. For this reason, and although restored, signs of their vintage condition & age might still be visible. We will normally point out any visible/notable concerns. Take note of all photos or view the item in-store prior to purchasing.