Hans Wegner "AT-309" Drop-Leaf Dining Table for Andreas Tuck, Denmark 1950s

This rare “AT-309” dining table was designed by Hans Wegner in 1955 and its title of ‘iconic’ is well deserved. As it is no longer produced, this model has become a collector’s item created by a designer who is credited as one of the main driving forces of the mid-century Danish modern movement.

The “AT-309” model is also commonly referred to as the “saw-horse” for its trestle base. In woodworking, a saw-horse is a trestle structure used to support a board similarly to this model’s case. While Hans J. Wegner became world-renowned for his chairs, he also designed a broad range of tables, where he was just as thorough and artistic about the proportions, construction, function, and style. With a clear statement of simplicity, quality and respect for materials, this table is a great example of Danish Modern design. The massive teak tabletop with drop-leafs is stunning on its own, showcasing the wood’s grain and offering plenty of space with the extendable solution. However, to Wegner, the most important part of his tables was not the top, but rather what was underneath. For the supporting structure he used the distinctive saw-horse look with crossed legs and brass braces. The diagonal brass reinforcement is not only a significant structural feature, it is also a visually appealing detail that gives character to this dining table. Looking beneath the top, the elaborate oak structure becomes visible, showing both Wegner’s and the manufacturer’s expert skill and knowledge.

Over the course of his career, the designer collaborated with several renowned manufacturers, including Andreas Tuck. The company was one of the greatest Danish furniture design companies of the mid-20th century, producing pieces that epitomize classic Danish craftsmanship. Wegner worked with the company for many years, creating iconic designs such as this “AT-309” table.

This table will fit between 6 and 10 people.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The tabletop has been refinished.

Dimensions:
51.96 in W (89.76 in when extended) x 33.66 in D x 28.14 in H
132 cm W (228 cm when extended) x 85.5 cm D x 71.5 cm H

About the designer:

Hans Wegner (1914–2007) is considered as one of the most influential designers of Scandinavian design. Danish-born Wegner became a national and international design idol for shaping the history of design in the 1950s and ‘60s.

In his designs, the sharp edges defining Modernism were smoothened, creating his iconic chairs. As a pioneer of the modernist style, often described as “organic functionality”, Wegner described his method as “stripping the old chairs of their outer style and letting them appear in their pure construction.”.

At 14 years old, he began his apprenticeship with Danish master cabinetmaker H. F. Stahlberg. After serving in the military he moved to Copenhagen, and attended the School of Arts and Crafts, before setting out as a furniture designer. In 1943, he established his own studio, producing designs for manufacturers like AP Stolen, Fredericia Stolefabrik, and in later years, PP Møbler.

Wegner designed more than 500 chairs in his lifetime, refining an approach that combined a variety of natural materials and pushed traditional joinery techniques to extreme tolerances and distillations. Wegner’s background as a cabinetmaker gave him a deep understanding of how to integrate exacting joinery techniques with exquisite form, realizing the perfect combination with form and purpose.

The core of Wegner’s legacy remains his focus on showing the inner soul of furniture pieces through a simple and functional exterior. ~H.