Rare Complete Set of Ten Model 186 Dining Chairs — Arne Vodder for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, c.1956
An exceptionally rare complete set of ten Model 186 dining chairs — nine side chairs and one carver — designed by Arne Vodder and produced by France & Daverkosen, Denmark, circa 1956.
Model 186 was produced for only four years, from 1956 to 1960, before being discontinued when the company transitioned to France & Søn. The simpler Model 206 that followed never matched it for craft or complexity. Surviving examples are sought after; complete sets of ten are very rarely encountered.
Each chair is constructed in solid teak, with Vodder's signature floating backrest — a sculpted teak frame enclosing a handwoven rattan panel, brass-hinged to swivel swivel gently with the sitter's movement — making these among the most naturally comfortable dining chairs of their era. The moulded leather seat sits within a refined open frame joined with tapered legs and precisely fitted exposed joinery. Teak, rattan, and leather in careful proportion: the result is warm without being heavy, elegant without effort - a subtle sense of luxury and sophistication that remains timeless.
The Model 186 is a study in balance and restraint, elegant from every angle. This complete grouping captures both the rarity and enduring appeal of Arne Vodder’s early work for France & Daverkosen — a true testament to the artistry of Danish modernism at its finest.
The set retains its original France & Daverkosen maker's medallions alongside France & Søn brass studs on select chairs — a detail consistent with the transitional production period and an appealing provenance marker for collectors.
MAKER PROFILE
Arne Vodder (1926–2009) was among the foremost figures of Danish modern furniture design. Trained under Finn Juhl at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, he carried forward a humanist design philosophy — organic in form, honest in material, resolved in proportion. His collaborations with France & Daverkosen in the 1950s produced some of his most architecturally refined work, pieces that furnished embassies and private homes across Europe and the United States. Vodder's furniture is today among the most collectible of the Danish modernist canon, admired for its craft, restraint, and enduring relevance.
Read more about France & Daverkosen / France & Søn
and here
Ten Vintage Model 186 Dining Chairs by Arne Vodder, Denmark c.1956
Designer: Arne Vodder (1926–2009)
Manufacturer: France & Daverkosen / France & Søn
Country: Denmark
Model: 186
Period: circa 1956–1960
Materials: Teak, rattan, leather, brass
Dimensions: H 86 cm · W 64 cm · D 58 cm · Seat H 43 cm
CONDITION REPORT
Presented in honest vintage condition, sensitively restored throughout.
All ten frames have been restored and refinished, reviving the natural teak tone while preserving the patina that comes with seventy years of age. Eight chairs retain their original rattan backs, which remain structurally sound and present well — where needed, panels have been carefully stabilised rather than replaced, in keeping with a conservation-led approach, retaining its authentic patina. Two panels were professionally re-caned to match, and integrate well with the set, though the weave orientation differs slightly from the original. Minor veneer repairs to the surrounds of these two frames have been carried out.
Of the ten leather seats, five retain their original covering — a mix of dark aged brown and newer black, reflecting the set's history and presenting cohesively together, and showing attractive patina and wear consistent with age, and have been carefully conserved rather than replaced. The remaining five have been reupholstered in a carefully matched dark brown leather that sits comfortably alongside the originals. Variation in tone across the set reads as authentic patina rather than inconsistency. All ten seats have new dust covers fitted.
One chair— carries evidence of an earlier structural repair to a front leg, professionally stabilised and refinished as part of our restoration. It is sound in every respect and presents well.
This is reflected in the pricing of the set.
Please note: as with all vintage pieces, individual chairs show age-consistent wear. Full condition images available on request.
Photographed in natural light in our studio.
Like many well-made mid-century pieces, this one combines solid wood with a quality veneer — a considered choice of the era, used to showcase the finest grain while ensuring the piece moves and settles as the timber intends.
We photograph every piece honestly — what you see is what you'll receive. Before dispatch, each item is cleaned and finished with Osmo Polyx®-Oil so it arrives looking its best.
