Questions & Answers
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How do you tell if a Butterfly chair is real?
1 Answer

How you tell if a Butterfly chair is real depends on what you mean by the term "real." If by real you mean an authentic Knoll Butterfly chair produced from 2018 and onwards, first look for the Knoll label found under the seat. Compare this label to images found online to begin to assess its authenticity. Then, examine the metal frame of the chair. An authentic Knoll Butterfly chair will be evenly polished and show no imperfections, such as highly visible welding marks. Any flaws will usually indicate that a piece is counterfeit. On the other hand, if by real you mean an original Butterfly chair made by Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan and Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, the answer is that your chair is unlikely to be. The designers only created three Butterfly chairs, which are all part of museum collections. To learn more about the age and maker of your Butterfly chair, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Explore a range of Knoll Butterfly chairs on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
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Shop for Knoll Butterfly Chair on 1stDibs
Two Knoll Butterfly Chairs in Cognac Leather
By Knoll
Located in San Francisco, CA
Iconic Knoll butterfly chairs, sold individually or as a pair, suitable for interior or exterior
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
$1,200 / item
BKF Hardoy for Knoll Butterfly Chair with New Cowhide Sling
By Bonet, Kurchan, and Hardoy, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hardoy for Knoll Butterfly Chair that date to the mid-60's. New Cowhide Sling gives it a fun look
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Iron
Mid Century Knoll Butterfly Chair by Jorge Ferrari Hardoy Bonet and Kurchan
By Knoll
Located in Las Vegas, NV
1950’s vintage Butterfly chair, designed by Jorge Ferrari Hardoy, Antonio Bonet, and Juan
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
$700 Sale Price
61% Off
1960s Bkf Hardoy Butterfly Chairs for Knoll in Black
By Knoll
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Vintage BKF Hardoy “Butterfly Chairs” for knoll. Mid 20th century manufacture (1950-1970s) notice
Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Iron
Original Deep Brown Leather Hardoy Butterfly Chair, Issued by Knoll, 1950s
By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Butterfly Chair with chocolate brown leather sling, designed by Antonio Bonet, Juan
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Vintage Leather Butterfly Chair by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy for Knoll
By Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy, Knoll
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Butterfly Chair, designed by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy for Knoll, American, circa 1960s. This
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Iron