Statesville Chair

These chairs look to be dining chairs. They are by Statesville chair co. The tag underneath says 1929. I need to reupholster the seats (and they look as if they were at least once before) and I want to paint them a deep espresso color, but my husband thinks we should just leave them as is and maybe touch up the stain. I think these will be perfect in our long foyer flanking an old tea cart that I also want to paint in the same color. I love the simple design. As you can see, one chair has some damage that would be easily fixed and covered with paint. Any opinions on whether I should paint or leave them? I put these as unslved mystery since I was hoping if anyone couldcan anyone recommend any books for me to look up anything on these chairs. All internet searches have come up empty! Thanks!