S43 cantilever chair – tubular steel design by Mart Stam, 1930s

This original tubular steel chair model S43 is a pre-war production from the 1930s, manufactured by Thonet-Mundus based on a design by Mart Stam.

The S43 belongs to the early cantilever chairs of the 20th century and represents one of the key developments in the evolution of the so-called “rear-leg-free” seating concept. Stam’s design reflects a fundamental shift in furniture construction within the Bauhaus context, where the structure itself defines both function and appearance.

The tubular steel frame serves as both a supporting and flexible element, giving the chair its characteristic lightness and subtle resilience. This construction follows a strictly functional approach, where material and form are directly connected.

Seat and backrest are made of molded wood, shaped under steam to achieve their distinctive curvature. The slightly angled backrest and the gentle flexibility of the frame provide a balanced and comfortable seating experience.

A notable feature of this example is its original brown-red painted surface. The finish has been preserved, carefully stabilized and partially restored. Visible signs of age contribute to an authentic surface character that reflects the chair’s history.

Tubular steel furniture of this kind stands for the constructive clarity of early modern design. The combination of steel and shaped wood defines the character of this piece.