You must live under a rock if you haven’t seen or heard about a Cesca chair. It is one of the most famous and iconic chairs of all time. Due to its unique design and modern look, the Cesca chair is one of the most important chairs of the 20th century.
Hungarian-American architect and designer Marcel Breuer designed the Cesca chair. Its one-of-a-kind design seemed to defy gravity making human beings float on air. Knoll officially purchased the design in 1968, and they have manufactured and sold 250,000 chairs so far.
It is indeed one of the most common chair designs, and almost every house has one Cesca chair knockoff or original piece.
But the question is how to distinguish between the original patented Cesca chair and the knockoffs. Firstly the build quality, design, and sophistication are key factors that shout originality. Still, a few other factors can help you differentiate a real chair from a fake one.
Read further as we uncover nine differences between the fake and a real Cesca chair to help you. Furthermore, we will also discuss the material, measurements, and stamps of the original Cesca chairs in detail.
JUMP TO: Differences between Real and Fake Cesca Chair | Real Cesca Char Material | Licensed Manufacturer of Cesca Chair | Cesca Chair Stamp Identification | Orginal Chair Measurement |
Key Takeaway
- American designer Marcel Breuer designed Cesca Chair.
- The overall quality and design can help distinguish between a fake and a real one.
- The original chair has a manufacturer tag on it.
- Cesca chairs also have one piece of tubular steel without any joints or welded pieces.
- The manufacturer welds the edges of the tube properly for a neat look.
- The authentic Cesca chair uses beechwood, rattan, and a tubular steel frame.
- Currently, Knoll is the licensed manufacturer of the chair.
Real Cesca Chair vs. Fake: Things to Look For in an Authentic Chair
“Structure is not just means to a solution. It is also a principle and a passion,” Marcel Breuer.
Source: Picture Courtesy: Pinterest.com
Due to their high demand and comfortable design, you can find Cesca chairs at every furniture shop. It is tempting to buy a chair for less than 50 bucks but rest assured, you won’t get an original Cesca at such a low price.
There have been instances where people also get to pay a hefty price for the chair, only ending up with the fake ones.
The design’s simplicity and intricacy make it hard to distinguish between the real and the fake. Still, here we have gathered a few details from the furniture industry and manufacturers that can help you differentiate in a better way.
Also Read: How To Identify A Morris Chair? (6 Easy Ways Explained)
Check the Overall Quality.
First, a branded chair will always have high quality and superior built design. It is the key difference that makes branded furniture a class apart.
Whether you find a Cesca chair in a thrift store or a high-end furniture shop, closely examine the overall built quality of the chair. Carefully look at the rattan seat, consistent tubular frame, and wooden finish of the chair.
The original chair has a handwoven finish to the rattan seat. Similarly, the tabular steel frame has a uniform thickness throughout the design, making it look more sturdy and robust. The wood has a polished finish with an element of sophistication.
Authenticate the Label of the Manufacturer
The authentic manufacturers of the chair always place a manufacturer tag on it. On the other hand, a knockoff chair will never have an authentic branded tag.
It is the prime difference between a real and a fake one. The manufacturer tag also has the chair’s brand name and specifications to help the chair user.
Assess the Metal Tube Quality
The design of the Cesca chair and the continuous neverending tubular frame make it a class apart. Moreover, the original design has a one-piece tube that is bent and molded according to the structure and design of the chair.
Most importantly, the steel chrome caps on the tubing are the key identification of the real Cesca chair. It helps in maintaining the tube shape of the chair.
These chairs don’t have rear legs, so these chrome caps also serve as floor protectors in the front legs.
Image Source: Pinterest
If you notice the chair’s steel frame is welded and joined together, rest assured that it is a fake chair, and you must pay your price accordingly.
Look for an Ergonomic Back Curve
Cesca chairs are so popular because of their contemporary design and optimal comfort. Research shows that chairs with an ergonomic back curve ensure high work performance and help in a better posture. Wherein the Cesca chair has a back curve similar to the shape of the human spine.
It supports your back while sitting, aiding in a good posture. Whereas a fake Cesca chair will have a straight back that will cause discomfort during prolonged sitting.
Placement of Upholstered Seat Pan
If you have an original Cesca chair, you will notice that its upholstered seat pan has a different placement. Pion cushioned seat pans are inserted into the frame or placed on the frame, but the Cesca chair has a different design.
Its upholstered seat pan is placed above the steel frame giving it more elegance and comfort. The seat pan has curved corners adapted to the chair’s steel frame. A Cesca lookalike chair with rectangular and thick cushions is a fake one.
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Picture courtesy: Knoll.com/pursuit decor.com
Did you know?
The original name of the Cesca chair was B-32, which was later changed to Cesca. It was named after Marcel Breuer’s daughter Francesca.
The Tube’s Diameter and Bending
Cesca chairs are manufactured with one piece of steel frame. High-level artisans and design experts build this original chair. Some features include:
- The bending of the frame on the floor requires internal support.
- The original chairs have a constant tube diameter through the bend, ensuring an elegant look.
- Whereas Knockoffs have a reduced diameter by stretching the piece or welding too much.
Here is a close look at the Real vs. a Fake one
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Photo Courtesy: steelform.com and reddit.com
Hardware Quality
Designer brands like Knoll group ensure that the metal looks seamless. They also carefully craft the chairs so nuts, bolts, and screws do not appear on the design. Fake copies will lack this intricate feature.
Similarly, the ends of the tube in an original design are always welded properly, giving it a neat look, and the ends have disks welded into the edge to seal the tube carefully.
Cesca chairs with a rough edge or metal not bending properly is visual proof of the fakeness of the chair.
Compare the Wood Quality
Marcel Breuer wanted to design a cost-effective and reasonable chair for everyday use. He aimed to make the chair accessible for everyone providing comfort and support with a contemporary outlook.
Original Cesca chairs have beechwood outlines for the back and seat frame. Although beechwood is not an expensive wood, its durability, flexibility, and shock absorbance make it a sustainable material for the chair.
On the other hand, the knockoff chairs usually have plywood frames. These frames are weaker than wood and do not provide the same elegance in the chair design.
Seat Frame Shape
Another key difference between a fake and an original Cesca chair is the shape of the seat frame. On an authentic chair, the seat frame doesn’t extend the bend of the tube. It is slightly bent down towards the frame, giving it a refined, one-piece look.
On the other hand, the fake ones have seat frames extending way beyond the tube’s bend, making them look untidy and shabby.
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Picture courtesy: farsfair.ir/ reddit.com
What is the Material of the Original Cesca Chair?
The Cesca chair design was ahead of its time. Marcel Breuer crafted the chair with an unusual material, tubular steel, that wasn’t used for furniture at that time.
Finally, he added beechwood and woven cane inserts to add a more delicate look to the chair. The upholstered seats used different delicate fabrics like leather, velvet, and silk to add an element of class and intricacy.
Here is a helpful guide to assembling the original chair like a professional.
Fun fact: The chair’s design was inspired by the steel frame of the Breuer Adler bicycle.
Who Are the Licensed Manufacturers of the Chair?
Cesca chairs are a unique work of art, and not everybody can manufacture them perfectly. There are three official manufacturers of the chair.
- Initially, Micheal Thonet manufactured the Cesca chair in 1928 using the original design.
- In 1950, the Italian furniture manufacturer Dino Gavina started manufacturing Cesca chairs with the permission of Marcel Breuer.
- In 1968 Knoll took over the Gavina factory and had been manufacturing the classic chair ever since.
Related Read: 30 Types of Antique Chairs with Its Identification Guide
How to Identify Cesca Chair Stamps?
You will see several Cesca chairs in the market with a stamp of Made in Italy or manufacturing date. Still, please remember that the original chairs will have the authentic manufacturer’s tag.
Even if you find the manufacturer knoll’s name carved on the chair, it can also be fake.
The original chair stamp consists of
- Material information
- Chair registry number
- Caution and care instructions.
- Name of the original manufacturer.
Picture Courtesy Kaiyo.com
What are the Measurements of the Original Chair?
The original Cesca chair has the following measurements.
| Overall Height | Width | Depth | Seat Height |
| 31.5 inches | 18.5 inches | 23.5 inches | 17.75 inches |
Picture Courtesy Dimensions.com
Bottomline
Cesca chairs are a beautiful addition to your living room, and it also serves dining chairs that provide a contemporary look to your living room and dining room. Furthermore, its ergonomic curve and design make it an ideal option for prolonged seating and working.
You will find several knockoffs of this classic chair but keep in mind that nothing can beat the class and elegance of the original designer product. If you find something you like but are unsure about its authenticity, follow our guide and distinguish a fake one from a real one like a pro.
