While the Conant Ball Company was initially known for its reproductions of period furniture in the Colonial style, the Massachusetts manufacturer eventually garnered national recognition as a leader in the production of solid rock maple dressers, tables and other pieces as well as for its popular modernist collections such as its large Sierra line designed by Colman Zola and its American Modern collection created by Russell Wright.
In the 1800s, the small town of Gardner, Massachusetts, saw a boom in start-up furniture factories. There was Westminster transplant Nichols and Stone, Standard Chair of Gardner Inc. — a maker of American Craftsman-style furnishings — Heywood-Wakefield, which moved into the manufacture of furniture with steam-bent wood frames and cane or wicker seating, and later, what was once the largest chair in the world was built in the city to attract tourists and to sell …chairs.
Conant Ball’s first product was its chairs — there were inviting chairs with woven cane seats and the company later earned acclaim for its Windsor designs. But before it got its name in 1909, there was a chair shop called Jackson & Greenwood. Abner and Leander White purchased the modest-sized business and renamed it A. White and Co. John Conant and his brother Charles joined later and it eventually operated under the name Conant Brothers and Co. Later, the firm’s name changed again with the addition of Carlos Ball, who helmed the company’s Boston location. Between Conant’s and Ball’s passings in 1891 and 1909, Charles Brooks and a succession of family members took the company into the 20th century as Conant Ball Co.
Conant Ball’s comely mid-century modern furniture — its low-profile lounge chairs, sleek tables and more — owe to partnerships with designers such as Leslie Diamond and Russel Wright.
Diamond and Wright created a variety of solid wood furniture including dining room chairs, side tables and dressers. The former created a line called ModernMates that featured solid birch office chairs, nightstands and dining chairs with curved spindle backs, while Wright, who had created some Art Deco furnishings for Heywood-Wakefield, designed charming, light-colored maple furniture called American Modern for Conant Ball. The name is said to have been given to him by his romantic partner — in 1927, Wright married artist and sculptor Mary Einstein. Under her guidance, Wright's attractive, functional designs for the home gained renown, leading to commissions by prestigious companies like the Steubenville Pottery Company.
Conant Ball’s momentum slowed in 1986 and ownership changed hands once more. By 1990, the firm would no longer produce furniture under its own name.
Find antique Conant Ball tables, chairs, case pieces and storage cabinets on 1stDibs.
Conant Ball Mid Century Walnut Frame Wall Mirror
By Conant Ball
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1968 Conant Ball Walnut frame wall mirror in good vintage condition. Measures 21" in width, 1.75" in depth and 50" in height
Mirror, Walnut
Walnut Framed Wall Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern walnut-frame wall mirror. Full size mirror with simple mid-century design. Please confirm location, NY or NJ.
Mirror, Walnut
Italian Mid-Century Walnut Wall Mirror with Trefoil Frame
Located in Troy, MI
A striking Italian Mid-Century wall mirror featuring a sculptural rounded trefoil frame in warm walnut with a refined concave channel detail along the inner edge. A versatile and org...
Mirror, Walnut
Pair of Mid Century Wall Mirrors with Angular Walnut Frame
Located in Freehold, NJ
This pair of mid century modern mirrors features hardwood frame, original walnut finish, slight beveled edge, and vintage mirror glass. Dimensions: 26w 1d 40h Condition notes: Orig...
Mirror, Walnut
Mid Century Wall Mirror with Walnut and Capiz Shell Frame
Located in New York, NY
Chic rectangular wall mirror having a voguish frame with walnut trim surrounding its gold toned capiz shell interior. Currently configured to hand vertically, the mirror can easily be reconfigured to hang horizontally if you prefer. Total H 48 x...
Shell, Mirror, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Drexel Walnut Wall Mirror
By Drexel
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Enhance your home with this authentic Mid-Century Modern Drexel walnut wall mirror, a timeless piece that showcases the clean lines and exceptional craftsmanship Drexel is known for....
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Wall Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful vintage modern mirror with a dark walnut frame. Sleek design with a rectangular shape and bevelled edges. This stylish midcentury piece looks great as a wall mirror or at...
Mirror, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Framed Wall Mirror
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern sculpted walnut framed wall mirror. USA, 1960s Measures: 46.63"W x 1.88"D x 38.75"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Mirror, Walnut
$416Sale Price|20% Off
H 42.5 in W 34 in D 2.25 in
Mid Century Modern Wall Mirror with Beveled Walnut Frame
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern mirror features hardwood frame with unique beveled edge and original walnut finish. Dimensions: 34w 2.25d 42.5h Condition: Original finish on frame is in go...
Mirror, Walnut
$208Sale Price|53% Off
H 42.5 in W 34 in D 2.25 in
Mid Century Modern Rectangular Wall Mirror with Beveled Walnut Frame
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern mirror features hardwood frame with unique beveled edge and original walnut finish. Dimensions: 34w 2.25d 42.5h Condition: Original finish on frame is in go...
Mirror, Walnut
$1,595 / set
H 48 in W 20.25 in D 1.63 in
Thomasville Mid-Century Modern Burled Walnut Framed Arched Wall Mirrors, Pair
By Thomasville
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of Mid-Century Modern burled walnut framed arched wall mirrors By Thomasville USA, 1960s Each measures: 20.25"W x 1.63"D x 48"H. Very good original vintage condi...
Mirror, Walnut, Burl
Oiled Walnut Frame Mid Century Modern Rectangular Mirror.
By Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Medium size mid century modern rectangular walnut mirror.
Walnut
Vintage Mid-Century Modern "Modern Aire" Walnut Framed Wall Mirror
Located in Seattle, WA
This vintage Mid-Century Modern wall mirror is from the "Modern Aire" line and features a warm walnut-tone frame with clean,simple lines characteristic of mid-century American design. The frame shows a subtle wood grain pattern and rounded edges, giving the piece a refined yet understated presence suitable for a variety of interiors. The back of the mirror retains its original factory stenciling, reading: “750-3 TPL DR MIRROR -MODERN AIRE WALNUT - MIRROR PLATED BY MT AIRY", confirming its production by Mt. Airy Furniture Company, a North Carolina manufacturer known for quality craftsmanship during the mid-20th century. The construction is solid and well-made, with the mirror panel seated securely within a mitered wooden frame. This piece can function as a dresser mirror, hallway mirror, or accent wall piece, adding warm mid-century character to bedrooms, living rooms, or entry spaces. Light wear consistent with age is present, including some minor surface marks to the glass and frame, but the mirror displays well overall.A classic and versatile vintage MCM mirror...
Walnut
Sold
H 41.75 in W 31.63 in D 2.5 in
Russel Wright for Conant Ball Mid-Century Modern Large Wall Mirror
By Russel Wright, Conant Ball
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern birch wood framed large wall mirror By Russel Wright for Conant Ball USA, 1950s Measures: 31.63"W x 2.5"D x 41.75"H. Very good original vintage condi...
Mirror, Birch
Conant Ball Modern Mirror
By Leslie Diamond, Conant Ball, Russel Wright
Located in New Windsor, NY
The design simplicity is either attributed to Leslie Diamond, but more famously, to Russel Wright for Conant Ball. Excellent durable and solid maple or birch construction. Burn in si...
Birch, Maple
Russel Wright for Conant Ball Heavy Framed Mirror
By Russel Wright, Conant Ball
Located in Hudson, NY
A very nice angled maple mirror by Russel Wright for Conant Ball.
Maple, Mirror
American Modern Mirror by Russel Wright for Conant Ball, 1930s
By Russel Wright, Conant Ball
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A masterfully simple Art Deco maple-accented wall mirror from Russel Wright's seminal American modern furniture line.
Glass, Maple