Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial Number List Updated Jun 2026
Post-WWII designs, introduction of early vinyl and synthetic materials c. 1956 – 1960s+
: Raised numbers (like "52CB") are usually casting/part codes , not sequential serial numbers. Identifying by Design Features
Serial numbers from this era are usually printed on small aluminum tags attached to the base casing, rather than stamped directly into cast iron. 3. Decoding Koken Patent Numbers
Founded in St. Louis, Missouri, by German immigrant Ernest Koken, the Koken Company revolutionized the grooming industry by inventing the first hydraulic-operated barber chair. Today, these chairs are highly sought-after "functional art" pieces that command anywhere from $800 to over $10,000 among collectors and high-end shops. vintage koken barber chair serial number list
: Some models have a number stamped on the top of the hydraulic cylinder or reservoir. JustAnswer Identification Tips Casting Numbers vs. Serial Numbers
These are the "holy grail" finds. If your chair has a cast iron base with ornate scrollwork and a porcelain shave-stand, check the patent dates stamped on the metal plate.
Popularization of the "Congress" model, transitional flat-bar brackets c. 1916 – 1925 Post-WWII designs, introduction of early vinyl and synthetic
Today, restoring or owning a vintage Koken chair is a labor of love, often requiring collectors to date their chairs accurately. The key to unlocking this history is the .
Koken barber chairs have a rich history dating back to 1879, when the Koken Manufacturing Company was founded in Toledo, Ohio. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality barber chairs that were both functional and stylish. Over the years, Koken continued to innovate and improve their designs, introducing new features and mechanisms that set their chairs apart from competitors.
Determining the age of a vintage Koken barber chair typically requires cross-referencing its stamped serial number Today, these chairs are highly sought-after "functional art"
Brilliant chrome/nickel plating, dual reclining levers on elite builds c. 1936 – 1945
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes. The Koken Barber Chair Company has changed ownership over the years, and original factory records are not widely distributed.
Related search suggestions (for further research): vintage Koken serial numbers, Koken barber chair model list, Koken patent dates.
Note: These ranges are approximate, as records from the early 1900s are scarce. Serial Number Range Approximate Year(s) c. 1895 – 1905 (Early Hydraulics) 25,001 – 50,000 c. 1906 – 1915 50,001 – 85,000 c. 1915 – 1925 85,001 – 110,000+ c. 1925 – 1935+