Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial Number List -

: Many serial numbers are stamped directly into the heavy metal frame near the base.

Over the last century, many barbers repaired broken chairs using parts from different models or brands (like Theo A. Kochs or Paidar). Ensure the numbers or style on your footrest match the design era of your base.

Ornate carved oak/walnut, nickel-plated iron, filigree footrests. c. 1916 – 1925 vintage koken barber chair serial number list

Founded by in St. Louis, Missouri, the Koken Barber Supply Co. forever transformed the grooming industry by patenting the world’s first hydraulic-lift barber chair in 1892. Today, these pieces are highly prized by collectors, interior designers, and modern shop owners.

⚠️ Note: Koken was acquired/sold in the late 1960s; serial numbers after 1970 are rare and often unverifiable. : Many serial numbers are stamped directly into

Here is a useful piece for identifying and dating your vintage Koken barber chair.

Flat-bar bracket supports often indicate an earlier model, while cast, intricately designed supports might indicate a middle-period chair. 4. Notable Koken Models and Their History Ensure the numbers or style on your footrest

The following ranges provided by antiques experts offer a ballpark for sequential serial numbers: Serial Number Range Estimated Production Era Key Features c. 1881 – 1884 First reclining models. 1,000 – 9,999 c. 1885 – 1891 Swiveling and reclining patents. 10,000 – 25,000 c. 1895 – 1905 Early hydraulic models; ornate wood carvings. 25,001 – 50,000 c. 1906 – 1915 Porcelain enamel parts begin to appear. 50,001 – 85,000 c. 1916 – 1925 Most popular era for ornate cast iron. 85,001 – 125,000 c. 1926 – 1935 Transition to sleek Art Deco styles. 125,001 – 175,000 c. 1936 – 1945 Later hydraulic systems. 175,001 – 225,000 c. 1946 – 1955 Post-war, mid-century streamlined designs. 225,001+ c. 1956 – 1960s Late production models. Identification Tips

Look at the very bottom rim of the heavy iron base or on the internal hydraulic pump casing. Koken frequently stamped numbers directly into the iron mold during the casting process. The Footrest