Can anyone shed some light on this billiard chair manufacturer? The label is on the bottom of the seat & looks to read Ford & Johnson. I'm not familiar with this company.

wsowell,

Welcome to the forum.

John S. Ford owner of J. S. Ford, Johnson & Company. Manufacturers and jobbers of chairs. Member of the Business League of America, 1905

William Ford Johnson b. 1869, was Secretary, Treasurer and Chicago Manager of J. S. Ford, Johnson & Co. chair manufacturers . The Company was incorporated some time between 1900 and 1904.

They were among the exhibitors at the International Universal Exposition in Paris in 1900.

The company had a large factory in Michigan City, Indiana and the showroom and warehouse were on Wabash Ave in Chicago. Their product was sold across the country, I find mention of a furniture store as far away as Seattle carrying their line of furniture.

At some point they became The Johnson Chair Co., manufacturing office furniture. The last mention of them that I can find is from the late 1920s.

Lauren

Do you know if there is a market for this chair? I would like to sell it. Am attaching a photo of the label

Oh, yes there is a market for the chair. You could have it appraised and sell it to an antique dealer in your area, put it on eBay, sell it on craigslist, there are lots of possibilities.

They were a "second tier" or more generic manufacturer of mission furniture. But the chair still has value if it is in good shape, with original finish, and a label.

Good Luck

Lauren

Ford and Johnson did some copies of Gus designs, too. Their pieces are pretty nice, and well built - one of the good mid-range makers.

Ford and Johnson made pretty good quality arts & crafts furniture not unlike Michigan Chair Co, Lifetime, and J.M. Young.

Your chair is a billiard chair. Modeled what looks like a L&JG Stickley design. It looks like it's in good condition. While not really practical (who has a billiard room) the chair makes a good conversation piece; it stands so high.