Since no master list exists, use these (tested by collectors):
: Look at the underside or inner lip of the decorative metal footrest (often near model numbers like "505KO" or "25-N1"). 📅 The Koken Barber Chair Serial Number Chronology List
On earlier models (late 1800s to 1910s), identification numbers were often stamped directly into the structural frame components.
If the serial number has faded, rusted over, or been painted over during a past restoration, you can still estimate the timeline using physical design traits. 1. Wood vs. Porcelain (Material Indicators)
If the serial number on your chair has faded or rusted away, you can pinpoint its age by looking at construction materials and design trends. 1. The Pre-Hydraulic Wood Era (1880s – 1891) vintage koken barber chair serial number list
For antique collectors, restoration enthusiasts, and barbershop owners, a vintage Koken barber chair is the ultimate prize. Founded in St. Louis by Ernest Koken in the late 19th century, the Koken Barbers' Supply Company revolutionized the industry with the invention of the hydraulic lift chair.
: Look for a small, flat area on the cast iron base plate or near the rotation mechanism where a series of digits may be stamped.
For over a century, have represented the pinnacle of American craftsmanship, luxury, and functionality in the grooming industry. Founded in St. Louis, Missouri, the Koken Barber Supply Co. became synonymous with early 20th-century barbershop elegance, producing iconic, heavy-duty chairs that were designed to last a lifetime.
When the Koken company went through ownership changes, bankruptcies, and eventual restructuring mid-century, the vast majority of original factory ledgers and production records were lost or destroyed. Because of this, the antique community relies on to establish age ranges. Chronological Guide: Dating Your Koken Chair Since no master list exists, use these (tested
While it's challenging to create an exhaustive list of all Koken serial numbers, we've compiled a general guide to help you identify and date your vintage Koken barber chair:
2. Koken Barber Chair Serial Number List & Dating Guide (Approximate)
Finding a serial number on a Koken chair requires checking specific locations, as the placement shifted based on the manufacturing decade.
Does it have a or a joystick-style side lever? Determine Koken Chair Age by Serial Number - Expert Guide 000 among collectors and high-end shops.
Note: These ranges are approximate. Serial formats changed over time and Koken sometimes used model numbers or patent numbers instead of continuous serials.
By following these resources and tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a knowledgeable collector and enthusiast of vintage Koken barber chairs. Happy collecting!
Inspect the iron bracket that connects the seat back to the seat base. Check the metal framework beneath the footrest. 3. The Footrest Plate
While exact year-by-year factory records are rare, experts and collectors use the following approximate ranges to date Koken chairs: Serial Number Range Estimated Production Era Key Design Characteristics c. 1895 – 1905
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.
