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.
Pair of Art Deco Button Back Velvet Chairs by Russel Wright for Conant Ball
By Conant Ball, Russel Wright
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Art Deco button-back chairs by Russel Wright for the Conant Ball Company, crafted circa 1940, beautifully captures the marriage of streamlined design and luxurious comfo...
Velvet, Walnut
Art Deco Button-Back Velvet & Walnut Chair by Russel Wright for Conant Ball
By Russel Wright, Conant Ball
Located in New York, NY
This Art Deco button-back chair by Russel Wright for the Conant Ball Company was crafted circa 1940, beautifully captures the marriage of streamlined design and luxurious comfort. Th...
Velvet, Walnut
Four ModernMates Windsor Chairs by Leslie Diamond for Conant Ball
By Conant Ball, Leslie Diamond
Located in Hanover, MA
A set of four (or two pairs) of Windsor/Shaker style solid birch armchairs designed by Leslie Diamond for the Conant Ball company. Chairs have been recently refinished without the f...
Birch
Vintage Conant Ball Windsor Style Maple Side Chair
By Conant Ball
Located in Astoria, NY
Conant Ball Windsor Style Maple Side Chair, with spindle back, marked "Conant Ball / Furniture Makers" to underside. 34.5" H x 17.5" W x 19.5" D; seat: 17.75" H. Provenance: From a...
Maple
Vintage Conant Ball Low Back Bow Back Maple Windsor Spindle Chair
By Conant Ball
Located in Germantown, MD
1970s Conant Ball low back windsor chairs. Solid maple wood construction. Excellent condition. Low back and bow back with spindles. Measuremen...
Maple
1930s Russel Wright American Modern Furniture Design Chairs Georges Candilis
By Conant Ball, Russel Wright
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Important Russel Wright chair design, illustrating the confluence of styles; Art Deco, Streamlined Moderne, European and Shanghai style, all converging into and reflecting the new mechanized and modern era. These chairs were the first design for American Modern Furniture...
Maple
$3,000Sale Price / set|33% Off
H 30.5 in W 20.5 in D 22 in
Early Set of Four Harry Bertoia Molded Shell Side Chairs for Knoll, Labeled
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Set of four molded shell side chairs designed by Harry Bertoia and manufactured by Knoll. Originally debuted in 1960, this very early set is from 1963 and...
Metal
$3,000
H 30 in W 22 in D 19.5 in
George Nakashima N19 Side Chair for Knoll, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern
By Knoll, George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by master craftsman George Nakashima for Knoll in 1946, the N19 chair was intended as a mass-produced counterpoint to the Nakashima Studio’s popular “Straight Chair...
Walnut
$2,106 / set
H 29.93 in W 18.51 in D 17.72 in
1969, Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Set of Four White Selene Chairs
By Artemide, Vico Magistretti
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, check last pictures on this listing and/or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Set of four Selene chairs...
Plastic
$8,000 / set
H 32 in W 22 in D 19 in
Set of Four Rare Early Production Eero Saarinen for Knoll Dining Chairs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Ferndale, MI
From the put me in a museum collection. Out of long long term storage. The Earliest production set of four Eero Saarinen for HG Knoll executive chairs I have ever seen. All four on f...
Aluminum, Steel
$3,200
H 35.44 in W 16.93 in D 18.51 in
Organic Wabi Sabi Chair, Rustic Wood, France, 1930s, Unique Design
Located in Antwerp, BE
This one-of-a-kind folk art chair from France embodies the wabi-sabi philosophy, celebrating the beauty of natural imperfection. Crafted with remarkable woodworking, its rich patina ...
Wood
$3,900 / set
H 32.75 in W 20.5 in D 22.25 in
Four Midcentury Side Chairs by Ditte and Adrian Heath for France and Son
By France & Søn, Ditte & Adrian Heath
Located in Chireno, TX
Four midcentury cantilevered side chairs, or dining chairs, designed by female architect Ditte Heath along with her husband Adrian. In original wheat-color cotton-synthetic blend canvas, with olive green and navy stripes over oak cantilevered...
Canvas, Oak
Pair of French art Deco Side Chairs by Paul Follot
By Paul Follot
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
ART DECO SIDE CHAIRS BY PAUL FOLLOT Indulge in the opulent allure of these exquisite side chairs, meticulously handcrafted from luxurious stained beech in the timeless French Art De...
Beech
Set of Four French Art Deco Chairs by Dudouyt
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Set of four French Art Deco oak chairs by Dudouyt.
Oak
$3,600 / set
H 34.38 in W 17.25 in D 19 in
1930s French Art Deco Side Chairs, Walnut & Oak, Mustache-Back Design
Located in Astoria, NY
1930s French Art Deco side chairs, sourced in Provence, France. The pair features distinctive sculpted mustache-back panels in beautifully figured walnut, supported by solid oak fram...
Velvet, Oak, Walnut
$2,790
H 38.59 in W 16.93 in D 18.12 in
Handcrafted Studio Windsor Chair by Fabian Fischer, Germany, 2023
By Fabian Fischer
Located in Berlin, DE
Made to order windsor chair by German Woodworker Fabian Fischer. Made in the tradition and quality of American Studio craftsmanship. The price reflects ...
Wood
Beachcomber Spindle Back Chair in Walnut in Stock
By Greg Mitchell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
During the 18th century, a profound design movement took place in Wales. It was led by peasant-carpenters who, simply in an effort to create a practical seating option, produced one of the most elegant spindle back chairs of that time. It is known as the 'Welsh Stick Chair...
Oak, Walnut
Set of Four Black Leather Chairs by Cattelan Italia
By Mario Bellini
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Set of four black leather dining chairs by Cattelan Italia similar to leather chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina.
Leather
$720Sale Price|20% Off
H 25 in W 22.5 in D 25.5 in
Vintage Hale of Vermont Windsor Spindle Back Dining Chair
By D.R. Dimes
Located in Pasadena, TX
1950s Hale of Vermont Prospers continuous bow Windsor spindle back dining chair of fine hand constructed dovetailing with Mortis & Tenon joinery. T...
Wood, Walnut
$3,595Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 23 in W 15 in D 15.5 in
Set of 4 Wood and Metal Dining Chairs from 1930s England
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of four dining chairs showcases the timeless appeal of metal and bentwood construction. The chairs feature elegantly minimal metal legs with a mild patina that adds a touch ...
Metal
Pair of Art Deco Chairs after Rohde
By Modernage Furniture Company, Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Pair of stylish Art Deco armchairs, in the style of Rohde. Solid wood frames with upholstered tied spring upholstered seats, and upholstered backs, fabric worn and will need to be re...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Conant Ball Walnut Side Chairs - Set of 2
By Conant Ball
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a pair of Mid-Century Modern Conant Ball Walnut Side Chairs. Featuring a straight line design, newly reupholstered seat/back rest, solid wooden frame, and a beaut...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 33 in W 18 in D 24 in
Four American Mid-Century Modern Curvy Dining / Side Chairs by Russel Wright
By Conant Ball, Russel Wright
Located in Stamford, CT
Four American Mid-Century Modern Curvy Dining / Side Chairs by Russel Wright Russel Wright for Conant-Ball set of 4 curvaceous dining or side chairs. Each chair having four slightly ...
Brass
Conant Ball Mid-Century Modern Maple and Cane Back Chair
By Leslie Diamond, Conant Ball
Located in New Windsor, NY
Solid maple and cane back side chair designed by Leslie Diamond for Conant Ball. Good overall condition and structurally sound and sturdy construction. The chair features a very clea...
Cane, Maple
Leslie Diamond for Conant Ball Mid Century Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Conant Ball, Leslie Diamond
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Leslie Diamond for conant ball mid century lounge chairs - pair These chairs measure: 28.5 wide x 25 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat heigh...
Upholstery, Wood
1935 Russel Wright American Modern Side Chair
By Russel Wright, Conant Ball
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Important modern chair by Industrial designer Russel Wright for Conant Ball Co. circa 1935. A uniquely sculptural design, in scale and detail in the rise of the Art Deco era. Gently ...
Maple
Set of Six Leslie Diamond for Conant Ball Modern Maple Dining Chairs
By Conant Ball, Leslie Diamond
Located in Houston, TX
Modern Set of Six Windsor style dining chairs made by Leslie Diamond for Conant Ball. The frames are made from a lovely maple and it's in great vintage condition and outfitted in ori...
Maple
Sold
H 28 in W 24.5 in D 23 in
Pair of Conant Ball Spindle-Back Accent Chairs Attributed to Russel Wright
By Conant Ball, Russel Wright
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of low, solid maple Conant ball side chairs is attributed to Russel Wright, who designed for the company beginning in the mid-1930s. Each chair has a spindle curve back construction and tapered legs, along with original maple 'blonde' finish. The seats have been reupholstered in Paul Smith 'Point' fabric for Maharam. Each chair is branded 'Conant Ball Furniture Makers...
Maple, Upholstery
Elegant Tufted Back Armchair by Leslie Diamond for Conant Ball
By Conant Ball, Leslie Diamond
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Tufted Back Armchair by Leslie Diamond for Conant Ball. Cream linen upholstery. 25 in. arm height.
Linen, Upholstery, Walnut