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Paul Frankl 'Speed' Art Deco Living Room Suite in Black Leather, circa 1930s

About the Item

This incredible Paul Frankl attributed 'Speed' full living room suite is comprised of a three-seat sofa, a 2-seat sofa, armchair and ottoman. The 3-seat sofa and armchair are original 1930s production based on the interior construction details and visible age. The 2-seat sofa and ottoman were created later in the 1980s to match the set and everything was then reupholstered to a thick quality black leather. I personally love this set - the wide arms are perfect for placing a glass of Scotch and an ashtray to enjoy a nice cigar. The deep black color and matching black block feet provide ample masculine style while the shape and silhouette provide a refined and classy vibe. The leather is thick and quality, also smooth and soft to the touch. The collector who acquired this sofa and armchair, purportedly in the 1980s, stated he found what he believed to be a Frankl Galleries (Paul Frankl's 1930s showroom) original example of the Speed sofa and armchair. He then brought them to an upholsterer and asked them to reupholster the set to black leather and to also make a matching settee and ottoman to complete the set. We inspected the the sofa and armchair and they do appear to be correct period originals of the Paul Frankl design while the loveseat and ottoman were made later on to match and are listed here as "in the style of Paul Frankl". Given it is very difficult to authenticate the original makers on early examples of the Speed design as there were other makers over the many years of that era, we are listing as 'attributed to Frankl Galleries" for the sofa and armchair. This Paul Frankl 'Speed' living room set would work great in a Art Deco, Hollywood Regency, Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Mod, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Post-Modern, Contemporary or Zen / Minimalism room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, or Classical room for a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office. MEASUREMENTS: 3 Seat Sofa: H 26.25" x W 84.5" x D 39.5" Seat Height: 14" / Seat Depth: 22" / Arm Height: 23.5" 2 Seat Sofa: H 26.25" x W 63" x D 39.5" Seat Height: 14" / Seat Depth: 22" / Arm Height: 23.5" Armchair: H 26.25" x W 42" x D 39.5" Seat Height: 14" / Seat Depth: 22" / Arm Height: 23.5" Ottoman: H 17.5" x W 32" x D 23" CONDITION: Very good vintage condition. Leather was reupholstered in recent years and has very light signs of use and wear. Very attractive, very presentable, and ready for immediate use.
  • Attributed to:
    Paul Frankl (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 26.25 in (66.68 cm)Width: 84.5 in (214.63 cm)Depth: 39.5 in (100.33 cm)Seat Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 4
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1930s
  • Condition:
    Reupholstered. Previously reupholstered. Light age and wear. Very attractive and presentable, ready for immediate use.
  • Seller Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1330228264752
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