Daystrom Chairs

Q: I have a dining room chair that’s blond wood with a green plastic seat. It has a lattice-like back. The back legs are one piece going from the floor to the top of the back. The bottom is marked “Daystrom Furniture, Model 455-175.” The words “Made in Occupied Japan” are written in a small circle. It’s not in perfect shape. Can you tell me what it’s worth?

A:: Daystrom was founded in Olean, N.Y., in 1934. At first the company made metal ashtrays. By 1938 it was producing chromium kitchen furniture and upholstered stools and chairs. Daystrom moved to South Boston in 1962 and began using the name “Daystrom Furniture.” Daystrom’s low-end dinette sets sold well during the 1960s, but foreign competition began affecting the furniture market by the 1970s. The company was sold several times and closed in 1996. Since your chair is marked “Made in Occupied Japan,” Daystrom must have been making furniture in a Japanese factory or importing pieces between 1947 and 1952, years when the Allies occupied Japan after World War II. Chairs like yours were inexpensive when made. Value today: about $100 to $150.