A Pair of Kurt Coletto Model "903" Safari Armchairs for Horgenglarus, Switzerland 1960s (sold)



















A Pair of Kurt Coletto Model "903" Safari Armchairs for Horgenglarus, Switzerland 1960s (sold)
This pair of Model “903” Safari chairs were crafted for one of the most renowned manufacturing companies in terms of design and quality. Horgenglarus has ranked among the world's finest furniture makers for more than 140 years. Born from both adventure and practicality, the safari chair has transcended its 18th-century origins and use in the great outdoors to become a beloved icon of design.
These chairs are iconic pieces of mid-century modern design, blending form and function in a striking way. Created in the 1960s, these chairs feature a masterful combination of rich oak wood and durable leather, emphasizing the elegance of natural materials. There are no visible screws or joinery securing the leather to the frame, showing the outstanding artistry. The oak frames, with their smooth, clean lines provide both stability and comfort, while the leather seating surfaces offer a touch of luxury. The oak wood is carefully crafted to highlight the grain, giving each chair a unique character. The leather’s warm tone further complements the wood beautifully, enhancing the overall organic look of the pair. The chairs' foldable design allows for easy storage and portability, a key characteristic of the safari chair style, which was originally created for outdoor use but has since become a timeless symbol of versatile, functional design. The result is a pair of chairs that feel at home in both modern and traditional settings.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this pair exudes both elemental modern elegance and comfort, making it a stylish addition to any interior space.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood. The leather has some marks, and discoloration.
Dimensions:
23.23 in W x 20.86 in D x 33.27 in H; Seat height 17.71 in; Seat depth 17.71 in; Arm Height 25.59 in
59 cm W x 53 cm D x 84.5 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Seat depth 45 cm; Arm Height 65 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Illum Wikkelsø was a recognisable figure of Danish seating design in the post-war decades, known for creating furniture that combined sculptural silhouettes with a strong emphasis on comfort. Working throughout the 1950s and 1960s with manufacturers such as Søren Willadsen, Wikkelsø developed lounge chairs and sofas that softened the stricter geometry of earlier modernism through curved lines. His designs often relied on exposed wood, generous upholstery, and carefully balanced proportions, allowing seating to feel visually substantial without becoming heavy.
Model “110” reflects this approach through its dramatic winged silhouette and restrained material palette. The chair is upholstered in black leather that wraps continuously around the high back, seat, and armrests, emphasizing the sculptural quality of the form. The backrest rises upward into pronounced side panels that connect the wings to the armrests. The sides curve gently forward, creating a protective and enveloping shape around the sitter. These extended sides visually frame the head and shoulders. The leather surface contributes to the overall character of the piece: its subtle texture catches light differently across the curved sections, giving depth to the large upholstered planes. In contrast to the dark upholstery, the chair rests on a solid wooden base with angled legs that introduce warmth and visual lightness. The exposed wood creates a clear separation between the upholstered body and the floor.
The balance between softness and structure is central to the success of this design. The chair carries the commanding presence associated with high-back lounge seating, yet the flowing transitions between its elements prevent it from feeling rigid. Wikkelsø’s ability to merge comfort with sculptural clarity is especially evident here, making the model equally compelling as functional seating and as a statement piece within an interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. The chair comes with its original leather that has developed a natural patina over time. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.93 in W x 35.04 in D x 35.44 in H; Seat height 14.57 in; Seat depth 21.26 in; Arm height 21.66 in
76 cm W x 89 cm D x 90 cm H; Seat height 37 cm; Seat depth 54 cm; Arm height 55 cm