Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A classic vintage folding chair featuring its original vibrant mustard yellow corduroy upholstery and a brown enameled steel frame. This piece represents a transition era where utilitarian institutional furniture was elevated with residential textures and warm, earthy color palettes.
Story
Manufactured in January 1982 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, this chair was built by a company famous for luggage tough enough to survive an airport tarmac. It brings that legendary durability into the home with a surprisingly cozy, tactile corduroy finish.
Maker / Origin
Founded in Denver, Colorado in 1910 by Jesse Shwayder, Samsonite originally built its reputation on ultra-durable wooden trunks and suitcases. By mid-century, they expanded their expertise in molded plastics and tubular steel into a highly successful furniture division, manufacturing millions of virtually indestructible folding tables and chairs for schools, churches, and homes across America.
Condition & Value
The chair appears to be in very good vintage condition. The mustard corduroy upholstery retains its vibrant color with only minor surface wear and no obvious tears or heavy staining. The brown metal frame shows typical light scuffs consistent with age and folding use.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.