Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

American

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.

Creator: Conant Ball

Mid-Century Modern Desk and Chair by Russell Wright for Conant Ball

By Russel Wright, Conant Ball

Located in Buffalo, NY

Simple ,,smart design..... Conant ball desk and matching spindle chair in maple,,,, Russel Wright for Conant Ball Furniture Makers Mid-Century Modern ...

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cane, Birch

Mid-Century Modern Desk and Chair by Russell Wright for Conant Ball

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk

H 29.5 in W 60 in D 29.25 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage modern writing desk featured in rich walnut grain. This desk sits on sleek tapered legs and has two spacious drawers. This would be...

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1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk

H 28.5 in W 48 in D 21 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Mainline

By Mainline by Hooker

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Elegant, functional, and full of mid-century quality, this vintage writing desk by Mainline stands out with its rich walnut woodgrain and stylish design. Spacious compartments allow ...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Writing Desk by Mainline

H 29.5 in W 49 in D 25 in

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Studio BBPR for Olivetti

By Studio BBPR

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Studio BBPR for Olivetti

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Studio BBPR for Olivetti

H 30.32 in W 55.12 in D 27.56 in

Conant Ball Mid-Century Oak Parquet Checquered Cofee Table

By Conant Ball

Located in Germantown, MD

A Conant Ball Mid-Century modern Oak Parquet Checquered Cofee Table in very good vintage condition. Measures 60" in width, 24" in depth and stands 15" tall.

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Conant Ball Mid-Century Oak Parquet Checquered Cofee Table

H 15 in W 60 in D 24 in

Splendid Reed Bamboo Desk Chair Mid-Century Modern

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Splendid split reed bamboo desk with its original rattan chair. We just adore the unusual pill shape and hidden central drawer. The Asian style r...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Upholstery, Rattan

Splendid Reed Bamboo Desk Chair Mid-Century Modern

H 30.5 in W 66 in D 26.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk 207 by Arne Vodder for Sibast, 1960s

By Sibast, Arne Vodder

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Magnificent and rare Mid-Century Modern executive desk 207. Design by Arne Vodder for Sibast Denmark. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Solid teak base with three original drawe...

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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk 207 by Arne Vodder for Sibast, 1960s

H 29.14 in W 79.93 in D 35.44 in

Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk Table by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova

By Gianni Moscatelli, Formanova

Located in Prato, IT

Writing or conference table with console designed by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova, dated circa 1965. Chromed metal structure and mahogany veneer top. Formanova born from the c...

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1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk Table by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova

H 29.53 in W 72.84 in D 33.47 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut "Mainline" Desk by Hooker

By Hooker Furniture

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Fabulous mid-century modern walnut “Mainline” desk by Hooker Furniture in the United States, circa 1960s. This desk has been built from the highest quality walnut wood. It has a desi...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Walnut "Mainline" Desk by Hooker

H 30.25 in W 50 in D 25.5 in

Russel Wright Conant Ball Pair Mid Century Modern Blond Birch Night Stands MINT!

By Conant Ball, Russel Wright

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Russel Wright Conant Ball Pair Mid Century Modern Blond Birch Night Stands MINT!

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Birch

Russel Wright Conant Ball Pair Mid Century Modern Blond Birch Night Stands MINT!

H 25 in W 16 in D 14 in

1950’s Conant Ball Modernmates Mid Century Dining Set. Table, 2 leaves, 4 Chairs

By Conant Ball, Russel Wright

Located in Lutz, FL

1950’s Blonde Mid Century Modern Solid Birch Conant Ball “Modernmates” Dining Room Table with two leaves, table pads, and four dining chairs. Clean simple and stylish design impeccab...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

1950’s Conant Ball Modernmates Mid Century Dining Set. Table, 2 leaves, 4 Chairs

H 30.5 in W 48 in D 48 in

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Regency Desk Writing Table and Chair

By Melchiorre Bega, Vittorio Dassi, Paolo Buffa, Guglielmo Ulrich, Ico & Luisa Parisi

Located in Carimate, Como

Beautiful and neoclassical midcentury Regency Italian writing table or desk with its paired newly upholstered chair both supported by elegant turned and fluted legs ending with taper...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Regency Desk Writing Table and Chair

H 36.23 in W 47.25 in D 22.45 in

Previously Available Items

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Russell Wright for Conant Ball

By Conant Ball

Located in Esperance, NY

This is a truly remarkable mid-century desk, crafted by Russell Wright for Conant Ball, and it remains in its original condition with just one owner.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Russell Wright for Conant Ball

H 30.5 in W 56 in D 18.25 in

Small Desk and Chair by Russel Wright for Conant Ball

By Russel Wright, Conant Ball

Located in Dorchester, MA

This set by Russel Wright for Conant Ball includes a writing desk and a chair. The desk features three drawers on the left and a shallow drawer with compartments above the leg openin...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Small Desk and Chair by Russel Wright for Conant Ball

H 30 in W 48 in D 24 in

Mid Century Russel Wright for Conant Ball Desk and Chair

By Conant Ball, Russel Wright

Located in Astoria, NY

A vintage writing desk and chair in maple by Russel Wright for Conant Ball. The chair is unmarked while the desk has the "Conant Ball Furniture Makers...

Category

20th Century American Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple, Textile

Mid Century Russel Wright for Conant Ball Desk and Chair

H 30 in W 48 in D 24 in

Conant Ball desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Conant Ball desks and writing tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Conant Ball desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables by Conant Ball were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1950s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks and writing tables by Paul McCobb, Planner Group, and Drexel. Prices for Conant Ball desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,350 and can go as high as $2,350, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,350.

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Questions About Conant Ball Desks and Writing Tables

Is Conant Ball Furniture still in business?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
No, Conant Ball is not still in business as of January 2022. The company closed in 1980. However, the furniture is still popular among collectors. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Conant Ball furniture from some of the world’s top sellers.