Early Arne Jacobsen Model 3170 Dot Stool for Fritz Hansen Denmark c1950s 1960s

A small piece of furniture with a significant place in the history of Danish modern design.

Designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, the Model 3170, better known as the Dot stool, was developed during the early 1950s alongside Jacobsen’s experiments with moulded plywood and his now iconic Ant chair. Introduced in the 1950s, the Dot perfectly demonstrates the principles that made Danish modernism so successful: minimal materials, functional construction and an exceptionally elegant form.

This is a particularly desirable early three-legged example, predating the later four-legged version of the Dot.

Of particular interest are the three exposed brass fixing dots inset into the top of the seat. These are associated with early production examples and are a lovely detail that disappeared from later versions of the design. Importantly, all three remain present on this stool.

The gently dished moulded wooden seat sits upon an exceptionally slender tripod metal base, giving the stool an almost weightless appearance. Despite its simplicity, it is an instantly recognisable and beautifully resolved piece of Scandinavian design.

The underside retains a clear original FH DENMARK stamp, confirming manufacture by Fritz Hansen in Denmark.

We have deliberately taken a conservation-led approach when preparing this piece for sale. The wooden seat has been carefully degreased, cleaned and freshly oiled to nourish and protect the timber while enhancing its attractive grain and retaining the character acquired over many decades.

Likewise, the original brown-toned finish and patina to the slender metal legs has been preserved. There is visible wear, marking and loss to the surface finish consistent with its considerable age. Rather than repainting or attempting to make the frame appear new, we have simply cleaned and degreased the metalwork. We feel these genuine signs of age form an important part of the history and appeal of an early piece such as this.

For complete transparency, one screw and nut securing the frame to the underside of the seat was missing when the stool came to us and has been replaced. This is underneath the stool and does not detract from its overall appearance. All three decorative brass dots to the top remain in place.

Solid, sturdy and fit for purpose, this is nevertheless a genuine vintage design piece and carries the knocks, marks and patina accumulated through decades of use. Please study the photographs carefully as these form an important part of the condition description.

Compact and extremely versatile, the Dot works wonderfully as an occasional stool, dressing table seat, small bedside or side table, plant stand or simply as a sculptural object within a mid century interior.

While later versions of the Dot are relatively well known, these early three-legged examples with the exposed brass seat fixings are considerably less frequently encountered, making this an appealing piece for collectors of Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen and post-war Danish design.

An understated little design classic that has survived remarkably well for some seventy years — complete with its early construction details, wonderful patina and clearly stamped provenance.

Approximate Measurements

Height 45 cm
Seat diameter 34 cm
Maximum width across legs 39 cm

CONDITION

Please bear in mind that all our vintage and retro items have had a life
before you purchase them (sometimes quite a long one!) therefore they will show signs of wear and use, these may include knocks, dents and scratches, bumps and scuffs which are commensurate with age and previous use. We never sell items that we wouldn’t be happy to have in our own homes and provide images detailing any significant damage or unusual wear. Please carefully read the details and examine the images prior to purchase. All our items have been thoroughly cleaned and de-greased, re-oiled and polished (where necessary) and are fit for purpose. If you’re unsure, or would like some more information, please contact us, we’re always happy to help.

OUR DELIVERY POLICY

THERE ARE EXCLUSIONS TO OUR FREE DELIVERY POLICY - PLEASE SEE BELOW.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU PURCHASE FROM AN OFF-SITE ADVERT FOR ETSY, FREE DELIVERY WILL NOT APPLY (AS WE ARE CHARGED CONSIDERABLY MORE).

FREE DELIVERY DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY APPLY TO ANY SALE ITEMS.

Safely delivering items you purchase in a timely fashion is both our priority and also one of the most challenging aspects of our business.

Wherever possible, we try to offer free kerbside delivery, contact-free, to most mainland UK addresses, either by ourselves or via our dedicated, trusted, couriers. This ensures that your purchases arrive in exactly the condition they were in when you purchased them, as accurately described on our site. You should expect delivery to be within 1 to 3 weeks of you placing the order. We will contact you directly with a firm delivery date and advise you in advance of a two hour delivery window.

Exclusions to free delivery apply, including where tolls or congestion zone fees apply, for which there will be an additional charge.

Free delivery does not apply to locations a long way away from our location in Cambridge or to areas of mainland UK not routinely covered by our trusted couriers - if this applies to your purchase, we will simply charge you what we are charged for delivery, less any Etsy fees, and notify you of this as soon as practicable after the sale goes through.

We are able to package and export items beyond mainland UK and have done so as far afield as Hong Kong and New Zealand. We regularly export to Northern Ireland and Eire and the majority of Europe. Please contact us directly for a tailored quotation.

When ordering, please supply us with your mobile ‘phone number, so we may liaise directly with you regarding delivery. Please advise if there are any delivery restrictions that will apply (such as anything other than ground floor access, parking and access restrictions etc.). We reserve the right to charge for deliveries outside of our standard terms.

Please note that if we are unable to deliver on a pre-arranged day, you will be charged a flat fee of £50 for re-delivery.