If you will notice the claw does not touch the ground,, it has the ball in its talons !! A claw foot would touch the ground without the ball !! The ball and claw foot has been used from late 1700`s to the 1940`s here in the U.S.,,It was almost a trademark for Duncan Phyfe !! But he didn`t make cast iron furniture !! I would not touch either chair !! Small repairs are to be expected in antique furniture and are part of its charm !! Collectors will buy a chair like this even with repairs as long as paint is original,!! And for a higher price !! But that said,, they are your chairs and the shabby chic look may not be your design taste !! So make yourself happy with them and repaint if that’s more to your liking !! Just as long as you know the pro`s and cons !!