1970s Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll 261 & 263 Set

Details

Description

Rare matched set: a Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International No. 261 Lounge Chair and No. 263 Three-Seat Sofa, … Read more Rare matched set: a Mies van der Rohe for Knoll International No. 261 Lounge Chair and No. 263 Three-Seat Sofa, produced c. 1969–1972 during one of the most significant production windows in Knoll’s history.
Originally designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in the early 1930s for private European commissions, the sofa was personally revised by Mies in 1967 for the executive offices of the Toronto Dominion Bank — one of his final design acts before his death in 1969. Knoll introduced the series commercially in 1970. The group remained in the Knoll catalog only through the late 1970s, making original matched sets in this condition increasingly rare.
The 260 Series was a featured element of the landmark Knoll au Louvre exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, January 12–March 12, 1972 — the first retrospective the Louvre devoted to a furniture manufacturer. Source: Christine Rae, Knoll au Louvre: Catalog of the Exhibition (Chanticleer Press, 1971).
AUTHENTICATION
Original law tag present (detached but fully legible): N.Y. License No. 40673 (PA). Tag confirms 80% Latex Foam Rubber body construction — the premium contract-grade specification from Knoll’s Pennsylvania facility. Handwritten “6 cushions / 2 bolsters” matches the No. 263 sofa specification exactly. All original cushion-retaining clasps and North & Judd Manufacturing Co. anchor-stamped D-ring tie-downs are intact — the definitive Knoll hardware hallmark. Blind-stitched (sewn-shut) cushion closures throughout confirm factory-original upholstery with no aftermarket reupholstery or zippers.
CONSTRUCTION
Hardwood frame with fabric-wrapped spring assembly, steel wire edge, and latex foam rubber over jute webbing. Diamond-tufted seat cushions with original leather-wrapped buttons. Sunburst-tufted leather bolsters — identical specification to the Mies van der Rohe No. 258 Daybed, still in Knoll production today. Mitered walnut veneer plinth base; 5 5/16” executive-profile height — the contract-grade specification designed for high-profile commercial installations.
CONDITION
Leather is supple and healthy with a rich, natural patina — no tears or structural damage. Tufting buttons largely intact; small number detached but all retained and included. The walnut plinths have been professionally refinished in a deeper stain. Minor surface chips stabilized. One end leg of the sofa plinth has a small area of localized veneer delamination and slight textural bowing from historical moisture — sanded and sealed; underlying structure sound, mitered corners tight. Original black dust cover removed from sofa for inspection; hardwood frame and jute webbing confirmed in excellent structural health.
DIMENSIONS
No. 263 Sofa: 90.5”W x 34”D x 28”H (seat height 15.5”)
No. 261 Chair: 34.5”W x 34”D x 28”H (seat height 15.5”)
Plinth height: 5 5/16” (measured without glides)
INCLUDED
No. 261 Lounge Chair with bolster · No. 263 Three-Seat Sofa with 2 bolsters · All original tufting buttons · Original law tag · Nylon glides (retained separately)
Located in Cleveland, GA — approximately 90 minutes north of Atlanta. Easy box truck and trailer access. White-glove shipper coordination available. Nationwide freight shipping can be arranged. See less