Q:         I have four bentwood chairs that came from an old seminary. Underneath the seats there is a label that says “J.S. Ford Johnson Co., New York, N.Y., 33 East 47th St., Chicago, Ill., San Francisco, Calif.” They were patented in March 1910 and are in good solid condition. Can you tell me something about the history?

A :        J.S. Ford Johnson Co. was founded in 1867 by John S. Ford and Henry W. Johnson. The company started out in Columbus, Ohio, moved to Indiana a year later, and moved to Chicago in 1872. The company made Mission furniture, including some pieces similar to Stickley furniture. It was one of the largest manufacturers of chairs in the United States. The company went bankrupt in 1913 and was sold. Your set of bentwood chairs is worth about $600 if they chairs are in excellent condition.

 

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