: Flip the footrest up; the number is often struck on the back plate.
: Found on Koken’s highly successful Congress models and early hydraulic variants.
Since a master list is unavailable, a combination of indirect methods is required to determine a chair's age:
Dating a vintage Koken barber chair may not be a straightforward task, but the journey into the history, design, and community surrounding these magnificent chairs is deeply rewarding. While a definitive serial number list may remain the "holy grail" for collectors, the methods described here will empower you to unlock the story of your own piece of barbering history.
Beware of embossed codes like "52CB" or "505KO". These are typically casting or part numbers , not serial numbers, though they can still help identify specific models. Vintage Koken Serial Number Reference Table vintage koken barber chair serial number list
Founded in 1902 by Charles Koken, the company revolutionized the industry by introducing the hydraulic lift mechanism. Before Koken, barber chairs were often clumsy and manually cranked. Koken brought luxury, durability, and engineering prowess to the barbershop. Because they were built like tanks, thousands survive today, but identifying the exact year of manufacture requires some detective work.
The most reliable way to establish a baseline age is by looking for stamped patent dates. A chair cannot be older than the latest patent date stamped onto its frame.
stamped on the frame. While exact factory records for every year are scarce, serial numbers (usually 4–6 digits) provide a reliable ballpark for production eras. JustAnswer Koken Serial Number & Dating Chart
Primarily quarter-sawn oak or walnut wood frames with minimal metal cladding. : Flip the footrest up; the number is
For collectors, antique dealers, and restoration enthusiasts, few pieces of Americana hold as much charm and value as a . Founded by German immigrant Ernest Koken in St. Louis, Missouri, the Koken Barber Supply Company revolutionized the grooming industry. In 1892, Koken changed barbering forever by patenting the first hydraulic-operated chair. He followed this in 1900 with the iconic "joystick" side lever, allowing barbers to seamlessly control recline and height simultaneously.
The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial Numbers
Post-war styling; "President" series and highly polished chrome work; mid-century aesthetic. Cross-Referencing Physical Details to Verify the Age
To identify the age of a vintage Koken barber chair , you can cross-reference its 4–6 digit stamped serial number with documented production ranges. While exact factory records are rare, collectors use the following approximate ranges to date these chairs: Koken Serial Number Dating Guide Serial Number Range Estimated Production Year(s) Key Features & Context c. 1881 – 1884 Earliest models; first reclining patent in 1881 1,000 – 9,999 c. 1885 – 1888 Introduction of swiveling and revolving mechanisms 10,000 – 25,000 c. 1895 – 1905 Transition to early hydraulic models 25,001 – 50,000 c. 1906 – 1915 Peak of ornate cast iron and wooden "Congress" models 50,001 – 85,000 c. 1916 – 1925 Standardized hydraulic systems 85,001 – 125,000 c. 1926 – 1935 Art Deco influence begins; porcelain and steel common 125,001 – 175,000 c. 1936 – 1945 Late Art Deco and early Streamline Moderne styles 175,001 – 225,000 c. 1946 – 1955 Post-war production; "Presidents" and "Super Luxor" models c. 1956 – 1960s Final US production before the brand was sold in 1969 Where to Find the Numbers While a definitive serial number list may remain
However, by cross-referencing your serial number with known production ranges and design features, you can narrow down its manufacturing date with surprising accuracy. Koken Serial Number Reference Chart
: Later models (from the 1940s onward) featured a riveted metal plate on the rear lower frame or base rim containing the model and serial code. Identifying Koken Chairs by Visual and Material Eras
Check the iron base plate or the heavy metal casting that supports the seat.
Some later models feature an "A" prefix (e.g., A206701), which often indicates production from the 1930s or later. Materials:
: Numbers like "52CB" or "527N" found on metal parts are usually model or part numbers , not serial numbers.