Alexis de Sakhnoffsky

Russian-American  [1901-1964] 

Alexis de Sakhnoffsky Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky was a prominent Russian-American industrial designer, known principally for his Streamline-style automotive designs. Born in 1901, Sakhnoffsky emigrated to Switzerland in 1919 and by the 1920s had become a well-known designer of European sports cars. He relocated to North America in 1929 and was employed by the Hayes Body Corporation where he did design work for several Hayes customers like Auburn and Cord automobiles.

In early 1938 he was retained by the Emerson Radio & Phonograph Corp to design a series of radio cabinets, the most famous being the BD-197 or Mae West as it has become known to collectors. The Count became a world authority on the curvaceous and streamlined designs for automobiles, trailers, bicycles, planes, boats, radios, domestic appliances, furniture and even wristwatches.

"Cultivate your curves - they may be dangerous but they won't be avoided." Mae West

** We are always looking to buy Sakhnoffsky furniture and radios as well as other top designers + art deco items from the period. Please contact us if you are looking to sell. Calls are always welcome: 305.778.2182 **