This vintage Wegner-style folding chair was made in Yugoslavia. It was one of a pair that I redid recently.
The original cotton cord was very worn with lots of broken strands. I forgot to take photos of the whole chairs, as usual!
Same shot of the seat, redone with Danish paper cord which wears better than the cotton cord on the originals. I think the cotton cord also stretches more than the paper cord, which you do not want.
The originals had a lot of knots like this one showing on the back.
I used a different weaving technique on the sides and also took care to attach all new strands with hidden staples instead of knots.
The originals always have these wrapped strands which end up bunched together unevenly. Not a very sleek look.
With my method, there are wrapped strands but with wider spacing to avoid the bunched look. And the side rails do not have those little wraps at all.
Another knot.
No knots, and that overlap on the lower rail turns into a pretty detail when repeated.
One more shot of those bunched-up wraps. Last one, I promise.
These invite strumming, no?
Just as good-looking from the back as from the front so you can pull them out into the room if you want.
Absolutely gorgeous! Another fine job by MCR!!!
Wow! Very impressive! Would you consider sharing your tips of how you did this? Is there a tutorial out there somewhere that you followed or just from your own experience? I love to fix up mcm chairs too and this one seems to be calling my name! Any tips you can give would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for your kind words, Heather! As much as I would like to offer instruction on the techniques that I use, I just don’t have the time what with having to earn a living at this and all. I learned from experience and from looking at other examples online and in person. It can be done. Good luck!
You did a marvelous job on those chairs! I bookmarked your website in case I can ever use your services.
Thank you!
I have this exact chair in my attic. It was passed down to us from my husband mother who bought it in the 50′s. I have been looking to have it done since about half of the cord is undone. Can you please contact me on how much it would cost to have it redone. You did an amazing job on those chairs! I live in Bel Air, Md.
Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words. I’ll email you a quote for redoing your chair.
My daughter also has this chair. Can you please give me an estimate to restore it? She lives in Philadelphia.
I’ll email you a quote for redoing your chair.
Hi, I was wondering what kind of material you used for the new weave? I also have a chair like this and was wondering where you are located in case I’d like for you to repair it. I’m in Atlanta. Thanks and beautiful job!
oops, sorry, didn’t see the “Danish paper cord” info but am still interested in a quote. Thanks!
I’m sorry, I only work with people in the Baltimore/DC area as I prefer not to deal with shipping at all.
I live in Baltimore and have two similar chairs but they have arms. They are stamped made in Yugoslavia. Can you tell me how to contact you about repairs?
Thank you
I’ll email you and we can talk about what’s needed and what it will cost.
Love your website. It’s good to see that you treat the wood as I do. Although I tend to use Danish oil which is very similar to Teak oil. When I start the cleaning, I use a 50/50 cut with white spirit (turps substitute) and the finest wire wool. Then build up with full strength.
I have a similar chair to this but yours appears to be much narrower. The back of mine measures 20.5″ high x 21″ across. Seat 18.5″ deep and 24″ across.
I have not found any maker’s marks so far but I have not started restoration – yet. It has been suggested that mine may be by Erbert Wells, and predates Wegner. Some even say that Wegner copied Wells!
Does yours have any marks which give you an idea of origin?
I am going to use a 3mm (1/8″) flagline made of “Hempex” which is a synthetic material but and feels just like the flax flagline that is on at present, which I am sure is the original.
There is a photo of the chair on the “for sale” page of my website (which is down at the moment whilst it gets hooked up with a new server”.
Sue,
These belonged to a client and I don’t have them anymore so I can’t compare measurements, but I think they were at least 20″ wide at the back. They were incised “Made in Yugoslavia”, I think on the side rail of the seat. Good luck with yours!