old oriental style table and chair

This table and chair were recently given to my mother by a lady who moved to a retirement home.  This lady is 104.   She said they were in the house her husband and she bought about 60 years ago.  My mother  doesn't think they are worth much, though she was offered $1000 by her doctor.  Am trying to convince her not to 'refinish' them, which for her, is pouring scalding water on to remove the patina and maybe throwing on a coat of varnish (shudder).  I live in CA and she in Iowa.  She sent thse pics and I have not seen the furniture, though she says there are a few small mars on them.  There is a lot of writing on the bottom of the chair, though she hasn't checked to see what it says.  My mother is 84 and am afraid she will stick it in a garage sale.  If you could give me a ball park figure of their worth, I would know how worried to get.  Thanks!