Fritz Hansen used: Series 7, Ant, Egg and Swan Chair

Fritz Hansen was founded in Copenhagen in 1872 by a cabinetmaker and is today the maker most people associate with Danish post-war design. The name stands above all for the chairs and armchairs of Arne Jacobsen.

At 2nd home you will find Fritz Hansen used and vintage: the Ant chairs 3100 and 3101, the Series 7 3107 and the Hammer Chair 3103, the Drop chair, the Egg and Swan armchairs, the Oxford office chair and the 3117 office chair, the Dot stool and the Circular coffee table. Alongside these are the Heart Chair and FH4602 table by Hans J. Wegner, the PK61 coffee table by Poul Kjærholm, the Lounge Chair 1-2-3 and Pantanova by Verner Panton, the Supercircular table by Piet Hein and Bruno Mathsson, the Kevi office chair by Jørgen Rasmussen and newer designs such as VIA57, Fred and the Caravaggio lamp. All Jacobsen designs are gathered on the Arne Jacobsen page, office chairs under office chairs.

Ant, Series 7, Egg, Swan

The Ant of 1952 and the Series 7 of 1955 are chairs of moulded plywood on tubular steel legs, built for constant use in canteens, offices and dining rooms. Jacobsen designed the Egg, Swan and Drop in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, and the Oxford chair in 1965 for St Catherine's College in Oxford.

How to recognise an original

Fritz Hansen chairs carry a maker's mark or a label under the seat shell, in a different form on older pieces depending on the year. With plywood, look for cracks along the edges, with the Egg and Swan at the cover and swivel. The maker is named for every piece, the designer where known, along with dimensions, condition and photos.

Used instead of new

Seat shells can be relacquered or reupholstered, glides and cushions can be replaced. A used Fritz Hansen chair has already been produced and stays in use. Shipping method and delivery time are stated on the product page.

Buying used Fritz Hansen: designs, repairs and details

  • Fritz Hansen is the Danish house behind some of the most copied seating in the world. Most of the designs are by Arne Jacobsen; here they are spread across Chairs and Armchairs, joined by tables and office pieces.

    The best-known designs

    • Ant and Series 7: moulded plywood on slim steel
    • Egg and Swan: foam shells over fibreglass
    • The PK range by Poul Kjaerholm: steel, leather and cane
    • Kevi by Jørgen Rasmussen: the office chair with twin castors

    Copenhagen since 1872

    The workshop began with bentwood and became a laboratory for moulded plywood in the fifties. When Jacobsen furnished the SAS Royal Hotel in 1958, Egg and Swan were created as a commission for a single building and went on to become worldwide successes.

  • repair rather than replace

    Danish construction relies on screws rather than glue. Seat shells can be recovered, frames re-chromed, castors swapped. A chair from the sixties can start a second working life this way.

    How to combine Danish classics

    Six identical chairs around a table read as strict and calm, mixed models within the same colour family read as grown over time. Both are right, just not at once. Black leather suits pale wood better than brown does, and almost anything suits concrete.

    What the experts look for

    • A maker's stamp or label under the seat or tabletop, often dated
    • On plywood: no delamination at edges and bends
    • Original frames have a matt sheen, re-chroming often looks too mirror-like
    • On Egg and Swan: seams running cleanly over the curve of the shoulder

    Keep browsing

    More from the north can be found under Scandinavian, the full range under Design classics.

Frequently asked questions and answers

How do I recognise a genuine Fritz Hansen?

Originals carry a stamp or label under the seat or body, often with a date mark that reveals the production year. We document the markings of every piece with photos.

Which Fritz Hansen classics are available here?

Above all the chairs by Arne Jacobsen: Series 7, Ant, Grand Prix, plus Egg Chair and Swan. Designs by Hans J. Wegner and Poul Kjærholm appear regularly too.

Why buy Fritz Hansen used?

The construction is built for constant use; well-kept chairs are fully usable and cost considerably less than new. Older production years are sought after by collectors.

How do I care for Fritz Hansen plywood and leather?

Wipe plywood only with a barely damp cloth and rub dry; treat leather with a suitable conditioner once or twice a year. Avoid radiators and strong sun to protect wood and upholstery.

Are these Fritz Hansen pieces vintage or used?

Both. Vintage means pieces of roughly 20 years or older with a design language of their own, used simply means previously owned. Condition and, where known, age and origin are listed with every item.

Can I sell my own Fritz Hansen pieces through you?

Yes. You can submit pieces through our Sell page. We check condition and demand and come back to you with an assessment.

How are Fritz Hansen pieces delivered?

Larger pieces travel by forwarding agent to the address you choose, smaller ones by parcel service. The shipping price is shown on the product page before you order.

Can I view the Fritz Hansen pieces before buying?

That depends on the seller. Our pieces are located with dealers and private sellers in different places. Just ask us and we will find out whether a viewing is possible.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our Fritz Hansen furniture - from new to used and vintage.

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you buy what already exists: our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available and ready to ship, with no production lead time as with new furniture. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Sellers are selected by 2nd home, and every piece is described with its condition, dimensions and photos.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, legal guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • Pre-owned instead of new

    Every piece has already been made and stays in use; there is no new production.

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