Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial Number List [updated] Direct
If your chair has no serial number, do not panic. You can date a Koken chair by its physical features.
: Explicitly mechanical. They feature manually turned crank wheels or primitive tracking gears to recline the back.
If you are looking to buy, sell, or restore a chair, use this checklist to document its identity:
: Many models have numbers molded directly into the cast iron of the base or near the hydraulic pump. vintage koken barber chair serial number list
The Koken serial number system consists of a combination of letters and numbers that provide information about the chair's production date, model, and features. The serial number is usually stamped or etched onto the chair's frame, often in a discreet location.
The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial Numbers (1895–1960s)
| Observed Serial Number(s) | Known Date / Notes | | :--- | :--- | | | Stamped beneath the seat. Circa early 1900s , indicating an early hydraulic model. | | 161985, 161986, 162009 | Believed to be over 100 years old , used by three generations of barbers. Found on nickel and porcelain chairs in very good condition. | If your chair has no serial number, do not panic
| Feature | Introduced | Discontinued | |---------|-------------|----------------| | Hand-crank elevation | 1890 | ~1910 | | Hydraulic foot pump | 1905 | 1970+ | | Porcelain armrests | 1912 | 1940 | | Tufted upholstery | 1915 | 1950 | | Chrome plating (trim) | 1928 | 1965 | | One-piece streamlined back | 1935 | 1960 | | Foam cushion (no tufting) | 1952 | 1968 |
Note: If the chair has been reupholstered or repainted multiple times, the number might be obscured by varnish or thick paint.
Determining the age of a vintage Koken barber chair typically requires cross-referencing its stamped serial number They feature manually turned crank wheels or primitive
While modern vinyl is fine, authentic restorers often use deep-buttoned tufted leather to match the 1910–1930s style. Conclusion
Before starting, take photos of the serial number and every mechanism.
: Inspect the vertical column near the floor plate.
This comprehensive guide features the approximate serial number list, explains how to locate hidden identification marks, and outlines chronological design traits to accurately date your antique chair. Koken Barber Chair Serial Number Reference List