Mid Century scissor desk by Helmut Magg, 1950

A crisp piece of mid-century German design, often catalogued as Helmut Magg’s Scheren (“Scissor”) desk. The X-frame trestle base gives the profile its name—light, architectural and beautifully resolved—supporting a slim, floating top that keeps the silhouette airy from every angle.

Details

• Designer: Helmut Magg (Germany)
• Model: “Scissor / Scheren” desk (attributed)
• Year: Early–mid 1950s
• Materials: Solid timber X-frame base with shaped rails and solid Beech timber top with softly radiused edges 

• Features: Architectural X-legs; stretcher for rigidity; refined proportions; period hardware; clean underside for chair clearance
• Condition: Excellent vintage with minor age-consistent wear; tight joints; top shows light, honest patina (see photos).

Why we love it

That scissor undercarriage gives you the strength of a trestle with the elegance of a drawing table. It reads minimal in a room, pairs perfectly with Danish/Australian teak, and looks sensational with a low-back task chair or a sculptural safari chair.

Placement

Home office, studio, entry console, or a boutique retail POS where design credibility matters.

Shipping & delivery

Australia-wide delivery available. Sydney metro runs weekly; regional/interstate backloads arranged at sharp rates. We’re happy to quote—just ask with your postcode.