The giant of mid-century furniture design France & Søn began its remarkable journey as a Danish firm specializing in the production and exporting of Scandinavian design called France & Daverkosen.
British businessman Charles William Fearnley France and Danish cabinetmaker Eric Daverkosen entered into a joint venture in 1936 — France being the investor and Daverkosen the head designer for their small mattress factory. Soon after production started at the France & Daverkosen company, Daverkosen became quite ill.
Concerned for his friend and their fledgling business, France traveled to Denmark, and Daverkosen died soon after his partner arrived. While France was attempting to make arrangements to transfer the company into his hands, World War II erupted, and Germany invaded Denmark. As a British citizen, France was captured and sent to a prison camp in Germany.
While in captivity, France developed several manufacturing ideas to pass the time and to keep his mind focused. He imagined a way to create lightweight wooden chairs that could be manufactured on an industrial scale and transported using an economic flat-pack format. He also thought of a way to retool his mattress factory to create chair backs, seats and sofa cushions.
Once freed, France returned to his business in Denmark and began to manufacture beech and teak goods that were gaining widespread acclaim around the world. He began to surround himself with some of the best Scandinavian designers of the time: Finn Juhl, Grete Jalk and Ole Wanscher, to name a few.
By 1954, France & Daverkosen accounted for 60 percent of all Danish furniture exports and their factory employed 350 people. Charles’s son James joined the company in 1957, which resulted in the name change to France & Søn.
Later, France & Søn was acquired by Danish designer Poul Cadovius, who folded it into the operations at CADO, a company he founded during the 1950s.
On 1stDibs, find France & Daverkosen seating, tables and more.
Peter Hvidt& Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen FD146 Cane Back Easy Chair, Denmark
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in The Hague, NL
A Classic design by one of Denmark's greatest furniture design pairings in history- Hvidt & Mølgaard manufactured by France & Daverkosen in 1960's Denmark. Model number- 146. This e...
Wool, Rattan, Teak
Early Pair of Ole Wanscher Ebonized Mahogany Lounge Chairs, 1950's
By France & Daverkosen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Danish Modern pair of solid ebonized Cuban Mahogany lounge armchairs by Ole Wanscher designed for France and Daverkosen distributed by John Stuart. Featuring solid, sturdy newly ebon...
Fabric, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher pair of armchairs model 1764, Denmark 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher pair of armchairs with frame of walnut. Newer upholster of black leather. Made by Fritz Hansen, model 1764.
Leather, Walnut
FD 135 - 'Boomerang' armchair in teak by Hvidt & Mølgaard
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
FD 135 - 'Boomerang' armchair with teak arm, brass legs and new cushions in light textile ('Color-10' colour 103). Designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, made by France & D...
Brass
Pair of Spade Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1953
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Spade armchairs model 133 designed in 1953 by Finn Juhl, Denmark. Old edition from France & Daverkosen with original leather cushions and springs, teak wood structure.
Leather, Teak
Ole Wanscher armchair of black leather, Denmark 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher armchair of black leather and rosewood frame Made by Arne Wahl Iversen.
Leather, Rosewood
Danish armchair model "118" by Grete Jalk
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in Brescia, IT
Elegant Danish 1960s teak armchair, an expression of Grete Jalk's organic modernism, with original frame and refined proportions. Iconic armchair model "118" designed by Grete Jalk ...
Teak
$2,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Danish Modern Red Diplomat Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in Detroit, MI
These gorgeous vintage mid century modern Model 209 Diplomat chairs were designed by Finn Juhl in the 1960s and manufactured by France & Daverkosen. This sophisticated pair of ch...
Upholstery, Wood, Teak
Peter Hvidt& Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen FD146 Cane Back Easy Chair, Denmark
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in The Hague, NL
A Classic design by one of Denmark's greatest furniture design pairings in history- Hvidt & Mølgaard manufactured by France & Daverkosen in 1960's Denmark. Model number- 146, the cha...
Wool, Rattan, Teak
France & Søn Senator Schaukelstuhl Ole Wanscher Teak Midcentury
By France & Søn, France & Daverkosen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Teak Schaukelstuhl von France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Modell wurde von Ole Wanscher entworfen und ist bekannt unter dem Nam...
Teak, Wool
High Back Armchair, Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high back armchair designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard-Nielsen having an exposed teak frame with expressive bent laminated curved arms and vintage blue upholstery. Made in Denm...
Teak, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Boomerang Chair by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Daverkosen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional and highly recognizable design, the “Boomerang” lounge chair (model FD-135) by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen, circa 1950s, captures the...
Brass
Original Ole Wanscher Midcentury Sessel Senator Couch France&Søn
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn, France & Daverkosen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Sessel von France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Sessel, der den Modellnamen "Senator" trägt, wurde von Ole Wanscher entworfen und...
Teak
Sessel France & Søn Ole Gjerlov Knudson Torben Lind Teak II
By Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind, France & Søn, France & Daverkosen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vintage Teakholz Armlehnstuhl von France & Son aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Sessel wurde von Ole Gjerlov Knudson und Torben Lind entwo...
Fabric, Teak
Sessel France & Søn Ole Gjerlov Knudson Torben Lind Teak I
By Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind, France & Søn, France & Daverkosen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vintage Teakholz Armlehnstuhl von France & Son aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Sessel wurde von Ole Gjerlov Knudson und Torben Lind entwo...
Fabric, Teak
Danish Highback Easy Chair by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard
By Peter Hvidt, France & Daverkosen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare and very classic elegant high back armchair from the early 1950's 1940s by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen with open armrests in beautifully carved t...
Wool, Teak
$5,648
H 31.5 in W 31.5 in D 30.32 in
Teak Lounge Chair 136 by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Finn Juhl Model 136 Teak Armchair for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1950s Designed and produced in the 1950s, this sculptural armchair by Danish master Finn Juhl is a rare Model...
Wool, Teak
$38,400
H 28 in W 28 in D 30 in
Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1953
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1946 Finn Juhl originally designed the 53-series for master joiner Niels Vodder. It was introduced at the Cope...
Brass
$8,000
H 32 in W 80 in D 30 in
Teak & Cane "FD" Sofa by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart, Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Make your living room the envy of the neighborhood with this breathtaking teak & rattan sofa designed by legendary Scandinavian Modern duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. ...
Brass
$3,450
H 37 in W 27.25 in D 31 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Classic Danish Tufted Leather Lounge Chair
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Charming and very elegant Classic Danish lounge chair by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen. Simple yet very refined design lines and very comfortable to sit in even for a tall pe...
Leather, Beech
$1,882 / item
H 33.47 in W 24.41 in D 29.53 in
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chairs, Model PJ112, Cognac Aniline Leather
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chairs new upholstered in vintage cognac aniline leather. Made of massive oiled mahogany. Model PJ 112, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Leather, Mahogany
Original Finn Juhl NV45 Chair by Niels Vodder Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic original Finn Juhl NV45 chair in teak by Niels Vodder, Denmark, circa 1950s. This fine example retaining its original two tone wool upholstery. O...
Teak
$4,800 / set
H 32 in W 26.5 in D 29 in
Pair of Ole Wanscher for France and Son "Senator" Chairs in Teak
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Danish modern easy chairs (model 116) designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Son. Composed of a dense slat-back frame, designed with a partially exposed back to better reveal ...
Teak, Leather
$3,974Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 26.38 in D 30.32 in
1950s Danish "Boomerang" Chair FD135 by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen, F&D
By Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Filigree lounge chair in teak with brass legs, model FD 135, designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen. The upholstery has been renewed with the fabric "Hallingdal" by Kvadra...
Brass
$4,236
H 33.47 in W 74.81 in D 30.32 in
Danish Minerva Sofa in Mohair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1950s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in Renens, CH
A vintage Minerva sofa / daybed designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, originating from the early 1960s, produced by France & Son. The sofa features a teak frame, with ne...
Mohair, Teak
$2,895
H 33.5 in W 25.5 in D 28.5 in
Expertly Restored -Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Model FD-146 Lounge Chair
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Daverkosen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lounge Chair designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen in Denmark circa 1950’s. This stunning Model FD-146 features a walnut-stained beechwood frame wit...
Foam, Beech, Fabric, Walnut
Ole Wanscher FD-120 Rosewood & Leather Rocking Chair, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, France & Daverkosen
Located in London, England
Ole Wanscher - FD-120 Rocking Chair, 1951 This rarely seen rocking chair by Professor Ole Wanscher was produced by France & Son in Denmark in the early 1960s. The immaculate rosewoo...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 26.78 in D 29.53 in
2er Set Midcentury Sessel France & Søn Ole Wanscher Senator easy
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn, France & Daverkosen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 2er Set Vintage Sessel vom dänischen Traditionshersteller France & Son zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Ole Wanscher und gehört zu einem der po...
Fabric, Teak
Ole Wanscher rocking chair model FD110, Denmark 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, France & Daverkosen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher rocking chair with frame of soap treated beech. New upholstrered with 100% New Zealand wool and vintage aniline details. Made by France & Daverkosen, model FD110.
Leather, Wool, Beech
Pair of teak armchairs by Grete Jalk for France & Daverkosen
By Grete Jalk, France & Daverkosen
Located in Brescia, IT
Danish armchairs designed by Grete Jalk. Remade, removable cushions covered in beige fabric. Pair of teak armchairs designed by Grete Jalk for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1960s. S...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 30.5 in W 25.5 in D 24 in
Danish Teak & Black Leather Armchair by Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen 1950s
By Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen, John Stuart Inc., France & Daverkosen
Located in Southampton, NJ
Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen / Model 189 Armchair for France & Daverkosen and distributed in the United States by John Stuart. An elegant sculptural design having swoop carved armrests...
Brass
Danish Armchair FD 161 by Arne Vodder
By France & Daverkosen, Arne Vodder
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s armchair designed by Arne Vodder, teak frame with movable seat. Cushions redone and reupholstered. Model FD 161 designed by Arne Vodder and manufactured by France & Daverkosen...
Teak
Arne Vodder Armchairs for France & Daverkosen
By Arne Vodder, France & Daverkosen
Located in New York, NY
Arne Vodder Mid-Century armchairs with pivoting back support. A rare and early pair model B092 / 188F by Arne Vodder. Made by France & Daverkosen, later became named (France &a...
Teak
Danish armchair France & Son Mid Century Teak Vintage
By Peter Hvidt, France & Daverkosen
Located in Berlin, DE
We are offering for sale a beautiful armchair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for the Danish manufacturer France & Son Daverkosen. The upholstery and covers are completely new...
Teak
1950s Armchair, Ole Wanscher, FD-109
By Ole Wanscher, France & Daverkosen
Located in Neuss, NW
Elegant armchair from the 1950s by Ole Wanscher for France & Daverkosen. Rare model FD-109 features a solid beech frame stained in teak with a sloping open back and angled legs for a...
Beech, Teak
Sold
H 32.29 in W 25.6 in D 33.47 in
"FD 151" chair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, Denmark, 1950s
By Peter Hvidt, France & Daverkosen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very good condition, new upholstery. Produced by France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1950s.
Teak, Rattan
Sold
H 31.5 in W 25.6 in D 32.29 in
Cane & Teak Lounge Chair Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen France & Daverkosen
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in Utrecht, NL
Teak & cane lounge chair designed by Danish designers Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. This renowned designer duo has stood side by side for over 30 years, designing many famous ...
Cane, Teak, Fabric
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, Lounge Chair
By France & Daverkosen, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen lounge chair new upholstered with green Hallingdal from Kvadrat. Frame in teak and oak. Made by France & Daverkosen.
Wool, Oak, Teak
Sold
H 31.89 in W 28.75 in D 30.32 in
Finn Juhl FD-133 teak armchair for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A beautiful "Spade" lounge chair designed by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen in 1953. This chair represents a significant milestone in the history of furniture design as it was among the first industrially produced chairs crafted from teak. The chair's teak construction showcases a remarkable fusion of craftsmanship and artistry, with graceful, flowing lines that embody the quintessential mid-century modern aesthetic. Notably, the ends of the armrests pay homage to the organic form of spade handles...
Fabric, Teak