Mid-century modern design classics on thesaleroom.com – four vintage furniture items by Ercol

Founded in 1920 in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire by Lucian Ercolani (1888-1976), Ercol chairs and tables have been popular ever since.

Although Ercol is still making furniture today (typically sold in top departments stores) it is easy to pick up vintage and secondhand items at auction via thesaleroom.com.

One of its most famous ranges is its Windsor series which began with a commission from the Board of Trade during the Second World War for 100,000 Windsor kitchen chairs.

The most desirable pieces are those in the lighter, blonde woods of elm and beech in a natural wax finish rather than those stained a darker colour. 

Here is a selection coming up at auction this week.

1. Nest of tables

This Ercol nest of five tables in elm (above) has been dated to the 1960s by auction house Richard Winterton. A blue Ercol label can be found on the smallest table and they are listed as model 495. They are offered with an estimate of £150-200 in the fine art and specialist sale today (December 11) at Richard Winterton’s Lichfield saleroom in Staffordshire. The highest is 16in (40cm) and the condition is listed as very good condition apart from a dent and stain on the largest table.

View and bid for this Ercol nest of tables on thesaleroom.com.

2. Trolley bookcase

A 2ft 4in (71cm) Ercol elm and beech trolley bookcase offered with an estimate of £100-150 at Warren & Wignall today (December 11).

This 2ft 4in (71cm) Ercol elm and beech trolley bookcase has a few minor scratches but is in generally good condition and is offered with an estimate of £100-150 at the Antiques & Collectables auction of Warren & Wignall in Leyland, Lancashire today (December 11). View and bid for this Ercol trolley bookcase on thesaleroom.com.

3. Magazine rack

A 22in (55cm) wide Ercol magazine rack offered on December 12-13 at Adam Partridge in Macclesfield with an estimate of £30-50.

This 22in (55cm) wide Ercol magazine rack will be offered in a two-day antiques and art auction on December 12-13 at Adam Partridge in Macclesfield. It is estimated at £30-50. View and bid for this Ercol magazine rack on thesaleroom.com.

4. Drop leaf table

A 3ft 8in (112cm) wide Ercol elm drop leaf table is offered with a £50-100 estimate at David Duggleby on December 14.

This 3ft 8in (112cm) wide Ercol elm drop leaf table is offered with a £50-100 estimate at David Duggleby’s furnishings sale in Scarborough, North Yorkshire on December 14. View and bid for this Ercol elm table on thesaleroom.com.

View more Ercol items on thesaleroom.com and visit our furniture guide.

New to auctions? Read about how to buy at auction here and find out how auction charges work.