Q: We found this folding metal chair on the tree lawn, discarded, and waiting to be picked up on trash day. It has a partial label that says “Samson Chairs” and “designed by Russel Wright,” but we can’t read the rest. Is it worth anything?
A: This chair was made by Shwayder Bros. Inc., a company started by Jesse Shwayder in Denver, Colorado, in 1910. His three brothers joined the company from 1912 to 1923. Shwayder made Samsonite luggage as well as folding tables and chairs. The trade name Samson was used to indicate strength. The company name became Samsonite in 1965 and it is still in business. Russel Wright (1904-1976) was an American designer known for his modern designs of furniture, dinnerware, glassware, radios, interiors, and other domestic and industrial wares. This chair, made of tempered steel with baked enamel finish in “Patio Colors,” was pictured in a 1950 Shwayder ad and priced at $7.95. Current value is $50 to $75.
