No. 515 Chairs by Oswald Haerdtl for Ton, 1955, Set of 2

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A pair of original no. 515 chairs, designed by austrian architect and designer oswald haerdtl in 1955 for ton, the … Read more A pair of original no. 515 chairs, designed by austrian architect and designer oswald haerdtl in 1955 for ton, the successor to the famous thonet factory. The no. 515 model is one of haerdtl’s signature designs from the mid-20th century and exemplifies the fusion of the bentwood tradition with a modern, minimalist form.

the chairs are made of beech wood using the traditional wood-bending technique. Their most distinctive feature is the tall, slightly curved backrest with an arched cutout at the bottom. The fluid line of the backrest transitions into the simple structure of the seat and the slender, slightly splayed legs, creating a very harmonious and visually light silhouette.

what sets haerdtl’s design apart above all is its perfect balance of proportions. The backrest has a distinctive, sculptural form, yet remains subordinate to ergonomics and comfort. The characteristic cutout in the backrest is not merely decorative—it lends the heavier wooden structure a sense of visual lightness.

this pair has retained its original, natural wood finish with a warm, honey-brown hue. The seats show signs of wear, scuffs, and minor surface changes, which are a natural testament to the furniture’s age and history. The rest of the structure remains in good condition—the chairs are stable and sturdy, retaining full functionality.

a significant collector’s feature is the preservation of the original manufacturer’s labels on the underside of the seats, which confirm the chairs’ provenance. For vintage pieces, such preserved markings are particularly valuable, as they allow the furniture to be linked to its manufacturer and specific model.

today, the no. 515 chairs are prized as an example of czechoslovakian/central european modernism of the 1950s, strongly influenced by the thonet tradition. Their timeless form means they are equally at home at a dining table, a desk, or in a more formal space as standalone design pieces. This piece has an attribution mark,
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