Before you search for a list, you must find the number. On a vintage Koken barber chair, look in these three places (in order of likelihood):
Warning: Do not confuse patent dates with serial numbers. Many Koken chairs have a patent date stamped on them (e.g., PAT. JAN 5, 1892). That is the date the mechanism was patented, not the date your chair was built.
When you find a serial number:
The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial Number List
For barber enthusiasts and collectors, vintage Koken barber chairs are highly sought after for their exceptional craftsmanship, durability, and nostalgic appeal. Koken, a renowned manufacturer of barber chairs, has been producing high-quality chairs since the late 19th century. If you're a collector or enthusiast looking to identify and date your vintage Koken barber chair, understanding the serial number system is crucial. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to the vintage Koken barber chair serial number list, helping you to identify and appreciate your chair's history.
History of Koken Barber Chairs
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.
Importance of Serial Numbers
Serial numbers are essential for identifying and dating vintage Koken barber chairs. Each chair produced by Koken has a unique serial number that corresponds to a specific production date. By understanding the serial number system, collectors and enthusiasts can determine the age, model, and authenticity of their chair.
Koken Serial Number System
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.
Here's a breakdown of the Koken serial number system:
Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial Number List
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:
| Serial Number Range | Production Date | Model | | --- | --- | --- | | A1-A1000 | 1879-1905 | Early models (e.g., Model A, Model B) | | A1001-A5000 | 1905-1915 | Mid-range models (e.g., Model C, Model D) | | A5001-A15000 | 1915-1925 | Late models (e.g., Model E, Model F) | | B1-B10000 | 1925-1935 | Popular models (e.g., Model G, Model H) | | C1-C20000 | 1935-1945 | Wartime models (e.g., Model I, Model J) | | D1-D50000 | 1945-1950 | Post-war models (e.g., Model K, Model L) |
Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and serial numbers may overlap between models and production years. Additionally, some chairs may have been produced with special or commemorative serial numbers, which can make identification more challenging.
Tips for Identifying and Dating Your Vintage Koken Barber Chair
Conclusion
Vintage Koken barber chairs are highly prized for their exceptional craftsmanship, durability, and nostalgic appeal. Understanding the serial number system is crucial for identifying and dating these chairs. While this article provides a comprehensive guide to the vintage Koken barber chair serial number list, there's still much to learn and discover. By joining collector communities, consulting with experts, and continuing to research, you can unlock the secrets of your vintage Koken barber chair and appreciate its rich history.
Additional Resources
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!
To identify the age and model of a vintage Koken barber chair, you must locate the stamped serial number and cross-reference it with historical production ranges. While exact factory records are often held in private archives or the Missouri History Museum, collectors use sequential number patterns to estimate manufacturing dates. Finding the Serial Number
Koken chairs typically have their serial numbers stamped directly into the frame or wood, rather than on a removable plate.
Underside of the Seat: The most common location is stamped on the wood or iron frame beneath the seat cushion.
Base Casting: Check the top of the hydraulic reservoir or the iron base plate.
Footrest or Headrest: Look for casting numbers (e.g., "52CB") which often identify the model rather than a unique serial. Serial Number Dating Chart
The following ranges provided by antiques experts offer a ballpark for sequential serial numbers: Serial Number Range Estimated Production Era Key Features 1 – 999 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
Patent Dates: If you find a patent date (often "1892" for the hydraulic lift), the chair was made after that year, not necessarily in it.
Material Clues: Early models (pre-1900) often feature quarter-sawn oak or walnut with elaborate hand carvings, while 1920s models frequently use porcelain enamel and nickel plating.
Hydraulics: Chairs without a hydraulic lift typically date to the 1880s or very early 1890s. Determine Koken Chair Age by Serial Number - Expert Guide
To identify the age of a vintage Koken barber chair, collectors typically use serial number ranges
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
The following serial number ranges are approximate estimates used by appraisers to date Koken chairs: 1 – 999:
c. 1881 (Earliest models with Ernest Koken's first reclining patents). 1,000 – 9,999:
c. 1885 – 1888 (Introduction of swiveling and reclining features). 10,000 – 25,000: c. 1895 – 1905 (Very early hydraulic models). 25,001 – 50,000: c. 1906 – 1915. 50,001 – 85,000: c. 1916 – 1925. 85,001 – 125,000: c. 1926 – 1935 (Often featuring Art Deco styling). 125,001 – 175,000: c. 1936 – 1945. 175,001 – 225,000: c. 1946 – 1955 (Postwar production). 225,001 and higher: c. 1956 – 1960s (Later mid-century designs). JustAnswer How to Find Your Serial Number
The number is typically stamped directly into the hardware rather than being on a removable tag: Under the seat: Look on the underside of the wood or the metal seat frame. On the base:
Check the cast iron base plate or the frame's metal casting. Occasionally, you may find "casting numbers" (e.g.,
) on the footrest, but these are often part numbers rather than unique serials JustAnswer Key Dating Features vintage koken barber chair serial number list
If the serial number is illegible, you can narrow the age using specific design features: Hydraulics:
Chairs without hydraulic systems (which must be spun to raise/lower) almost always date before 1892. A-Prefix Serials:
Some later models feature an "A" prefix (e.g., A206701), which often indicates production from the 1930s or later. Materials:
Early chairs often feature quarter-sawn oak, walnut, and elaborate wood carvings. By the 1940s and 50s, designs shifted toward more porcelain and chrome with less decorative wood. JustAnswer For more precise research, the Missouri History Museum
in St. Louis holds an archive of Koken catalogs from 1887 through 1958. or calculating the estimated value based on its current condition? Koken Barber Chair Age and Appraisal Guide: 1930 Model 18 Feb 2014 —
While there is no single, publicly accessible master "serial number list" for vintage Koken barber chairs today—as many factory records from the original St. Louis-based Koken Barbers Supply Company were lost when it went out of business in the 1950s—serial numbers remain the most reliable way to estimate a chair's production era when used alongside stylistic cues. Collectors typically cross-reference these numbers with known patent years and historical sales records to date their pieces. How to Find Your Koken Serial Number
Before you can date your chair, you must locate the stamped identifier. Koken typically placed these numbers in consistent locations:
Underside of the Seat Frame: This is the most common location. You may need to remove the seat cushion or flip the chair carefully to find a stamped number on the wood frame or the metal base plate.
Main Iron Base Casting: Many models have numbers molded directly into the cast iron of the base or near the hydraulic pump.
Metal Identification Tags: Some later models (circa 1920s–1930s) featured a small metal tag riveted to the frame under the seat or on the back of the footrest.
Note on Casting Numbers: Be careful not to confuse casting numbers (e.g., "52CB") with serial numbers. Casting numbers are part identifiers used during manufacturing and are shared by all chairs of that specific model, whereas serial numbers are unique sequential identifiers. Koken Barber Chair Timeline & Serial Ranges
Based on patent records and historical catalog data, you can approximate the age of your chair using the following ranges: Koken Barber Chair Age and Appraisal Guide: 1930 Model
Dating a vintage Koken barber chair is a blend of locating a physical serial number and analyzing mechanical "generational" markers. While no single public master list exists from the original factory, collectors and appraisers use the following recognized ranges to estimate production years. Koken Serial Number Chronology
Use these approximate ranges to narrow down your chair’s age: Serial Number Range Estimated Era Key Mechanical Evolution 1,000 – 9,999 c. 1885 – 1888 Early swiveling and reclining models. 10,000 – 25,000 c. 1895 – 1905 Very early hydraulic models; often wood frames. 25,001 – 50,000 c. 1906 – 1915 Transition to "Congress" line; solid oak/walnut bases. 50,001 – 85,000 c. 1916 – 1925 High-ornamentation era with extensive cast iron scrollwork. 85,001 – 125,000 c. 1926 – 1935 Rise of Art Deco aesthetics and heavy porcelain finishes. 125,001 – 175,000 c. 1936 – 1945 Streamlined designs; beginning of minimalist aesthetic. 175,001 – 225,000 c. 1946 – 1955 Post-war production; more chrome, less wood. 225,001 and higher c. 1956 – 1960s
Mid-century styles; final years of independent Koken production. Where to Find the Number
If you cannot find the serial number, check these three common locations:
Under the Seat Cushion: The most frequent spot. It is typically stamped into the metal frame or the underside of the wood.
The Pedestal Base: Look near the bottom edge of the vertical column, where it meets the floor plate.
Underside of Footrest: Flip the footrest up; some models have a sequence stamped on the back plate.
Important Note on Casting Numbers: You may find numbers like "52CB" or "505KO". These are not serial numbers; they are "casting numbers" or part identifiers used for the manufacturing molds. A true serial number is usually a longer, 4- to 6-digit sequence stamped into the metal rather than raised in relief. Dating by Visual Clues
Pre-1892: These chairs generally lack a hydraulic lift system (the lever won't pump them up) and rely only on mechanical recline.
1892 Onward: The introduction of the patented hydraulic lift system revolutionized the brand. Most chairs with a working pump are post-1892.
Materials: Victorian-era chairs (late 1800s) often feature ornate wood carvings (oak/walnut). 1920s chairs shifted to heavy porcelain, while 1950s models utilized more chrome and vinyl.
Do you have a specific serial number or a photo of the footrest? This can help narrow down the exact model series, such as the famous Congress or Professional lines. Determine Koken Chair Age by Serial Number - Expert Guide
Dating a vintage Koken barber chair requires cross-referencing its stamped serial number with historical production ranges and evolving design features, such as the famous hydraulic lift patented in 1892. Because Koken was the premier manufacturer of its era, serial numbers (typically 4–6 digits) were logged sequentially and remain the most reliable indicator of age. Koken Serial Number & Date Reference Chart
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 10,000 – 25,000 c. 1895 – 1905
Very early hydraulic models; often four-leg solid oak construction. 25,001 – 50,000 c. 1906 – 1915
Introduction of standardized "Congress" models; more ornate ironwork. 50,001 – 85,000 c. 1916 – 1925
Transition to more streamlined metal components; early Art Deco influence. 85,001 – 125,000 c. 1926 – 1935
Peak Art Deco styling; porcelain bases (rare colors like pale yellow). 125,001 – 175,000 c. 1936 – 1945 Simplified designs due to material constraints of the era. 175,001 – 225,000 c. 1946 – 1955
Post-war production; more functional, less ornate chrome and leather. 225,001 and higher c. 1956 – 1960s
Late-stage Koken before the 1969 Takara-Belmont acquisition. How to Locate and Identify Your Serial Number
Primary Location: Look for a stamped number on the underside of the seat frame or on the iron base casting. You may need to lift the seat cushion or flip the chair to see it clearly.
Secondary Marks: You may also find "casting numbers" (e.g., 52CB or 1174). These are generally part numbers or model identifiers rather than unique serial sequences, though they can still help identify the model via period catalogs.
Model Indicators: Koken's name is usually prominently cast into the footrest. Value and Authenticity
The value of a Koken chair is heavily influenced by the working condition of its hydraulic lift and the rarity of its materials (e.g., quarter-sawn oak, original tufted leather).
Restored Condition: Professional-grade restorations can range from $2,000 to over $12,000 depending on the model's rarity. Before you search for a list, you must find the number
As-Is Condition: Unrestored chairs with rust or upholstery issues often sell for under $500. Determine Koken Chair Age by Serial Number - Expert Guide
Determining the age of a vintage Koken barber chair typically requires cross-referencing its stamped serial number
with documented production ranges. While Koken factory records are not entirely public, collectors and antique experts use the following general list to estimate a chair's manufacturing date: JustAnswer Koken Barber Chair Serial Number Reference List Serial Number Range Estimated Production Period Significant Features 1881 – 1884 Earliest models; original reclining patent only. 1,000 – 9,999 1885 – 1888 Introduced swiveling and reclining functions. 10,000 – 25,000 c. 1895 – 1905 Very early hydraulic models; often ornate wood carvings. 25,001 – 50,000 c. 1906 – 1915 Standardization of the hydraulic lift; ornate cast iron. 50,001 – 85,000 c. 1916 – 1925 Transition to more metal-heavy designs. 85,001 – 125,000 c. 1926 – 1935 Art Deco influence; increasing use of porcelain and chrome. 125,001 – 175,000 c. 1936 – 1945 Late Art Deco and early streamlined "modern" styles. 175,001 – 225,000 c. 1946 – 1955 Postwar production; simplified, utilitarian designs. 225,001 and higher c. 1956 – 1960s Final years of original Koken before acquisition. Where to Find the Serial Number The serial number is almost always
into the material, rather than being part of a raised casting. Check these common locations: JustAnswer Under the seat cushion
: The most frequent location, stamped on the underside of the wood or the metal seat frame. The iron base casting
: Look for a stamped number on the flat part of the base plate. Hydraulic reservoir
: Some models have a number stamped on the top of the hydraulic cylinder or reservoir. JustAnswer Identification Tips Casting Numbers vs. Serial Numbers
: Raised numbers (e.g., "52CB") are often casting or part identifiers and do not provide an exact manufacturing date. The "Takara Belmont" Era
: If your chair has a Takara Belmont label, it was produced after the late 1960s, following the acquisition of the Koken brand. Patent Dates
: Check the metal footrest or backrest for patent dates, which can provide a "no earlier than" date for the chair. JustAnswer Do you have a specific serial number or a photo of the chair's that you'd like me to help identify further? Determine Koken Chair Age by Serial Number - Expert Guide 5 Sept 2025 —
The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial Numbers
For collectors and restoration enthusiasts, a vintage Koken barber chair is more than just furniture—it is a masterpiece of industrial design. Founded in St. Louis in 1874 by Ernest E. Koken, the Koken Barber's Supply Company became the gold standard for barbershop equipment across the United States.
Identifying the age and model of your chair often starts with the serial number. While no single, official factory database remains publicly accessible today, experts and collectors have pieced together a chronological framework to help you date your piece. Where to Find Your Koken Serial Number
Koken chairs nearly always have a stamped serial number, but they can be hidden by decades of dust or layers of paint.
Underside of the Seat: This is the most common location. Lift the seat cushion and look for a number stamped into the wood underside or onto the metal frame.
The Iron Base: 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.
Footrest or Armrests: Sometimes, part numbers or casting numbers (like "52CB") are mistaken for serial numbers. While these help identify the model, they are not unique to your specific chair. Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial Number & Dating List
Based on historical patents and survivor chairs, here is a general timeline for dating your chair by its serial number: Determine Koken Chair Age by Serial Number - Expert Guide
Vintage Koken barber chairs are identifiable by serial numbers typically stamped on the underside of the seat frame, wood base, or metal frame. While exact factory records are scarce, collectors use sequential production ranges to estimate age. Koken Serial Number Aging Guide (Approximate)
Manufacturing years are estimated based on these sequential ranges: 1 – 999: c. 1881 (Earliest reclining models).
1,000 – 9,999: c. 1885 – 1888 (Introduction of swiveling features).
10,000 – 25,000: c. 1895 – 1905 (First hydraulic models). 25,001 – 50,000: c. 1906 – 1915. 50,001 – 85,000: c. 1916 – 1925.
85,001 – 125,000: c. 1926 – 1935 (Art Deco styling peak). 125,001 – 175,000: c. 1936 – 1945.
175,001 – 225,000: c. 1946 – 1955 (Post-war production). 225,001+: c. 1956 – 1960s (Late-stage production). Key Identifying Features by Era
Beyond serial numbers, specific mechanical and design shifts help verify the age of your chair: Key Features Late 1800s
Wood frames (oak or walnut), elaborate carvings, manual reclining only (pre-1892). Early 1900s
Introduction of the hydraulic lift and "joystick" side lever for control. 1920s–1930s
Transition to porcelain and chrome finishes with Art Deco aesthetic. 1940s–1950s
Simpler mid-century designs, often with less ornate metalwork and more vinyl upholstery. Historical Context Determine Koken Chair Age by Serial Number - Expert Guide
Dating a vintage Koken barber chair Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
using only a serial number is challenging because original factory logs are largely inaccessible outside of archives like those at the Missouri History Museum. However, collectors and appraisers use approximate serial number ranges and design features to estimate the production year. Koken Serial Number & Date Estimation Chart
The following table provides ballpark production eras based on historical sequential logs and documented collector examples. Serial Number Range Estimated Production Era Key Features / Milestone 1 – 999 c. 1881 – 1884 First reclining models 1,000 – 9,999 c. 1885 – 1888 Swiveling and reclining patents 10,000 – 25,000 c. 1895 – 1905 Early hydraulic models; one-lever lift 25,001 – 50,000 c. 1906 – 1915 Ornate carved wood (Oak/Walnut) 50,001 – 85,000 c. 1916 – 1925 Transition to early Art Deco styles 85,001 – 125,000 c. 1926 – 1935 Porcelain bases; peak Art Deco era 125,001 – 175,000 c. 1936 – 1945 Streamlined designs 175,001 – 225,000 c. 1946 – 1955 Post-war production 225,001+ c. 1956 – 1960s Late-stage mid-century models Where to Find the Serial Number
If you are struggling to find a 4-to-6 digit stamped number, check these common locations:
Under the Seat Plate: Most serial numbers are stamped directly into the metal framework or the underside of the wood seat.
The Pedestal Base: Inspect the vertical column near the floor plate.
Footrest Underside: Flip the footrest up; the number is often struck on the back plate.
Note: Raised numbers (like "52CB") are usually casting/part codes, not sequential serial numbers. Identifying by Design Features Warning: Do not confuse patent dates with serial numbers
Because serial lists are inexact, look for these physical clues mentioned in guides from LoveToKnow and JustAnswer:
Hydraulics: If the chair has a working hydraulic lift, it was likely manufactured after Ernest Koken's 1892 patent.
Materials: Wood-heavy frames (Oak/Walnut) with ornate carvings usually date to the late 1800s or early 1900s. Porcelain-coated cast iron became standard for the 1920s-1940s "white" look.
One-Lever Mechanism: Introduced around 1900, this allowed the barber to control all chair functions with a single lever.
Unlocking the History of Your Antique Koken Barber Chair If you’ve recently acquired an antique Koken chair, you’re holding a piece of history. Founded by Ernest Koken in St. Louis, Missouri, the Koken Barber’s Supply Company revolutionized the industry with the first hydraulic-lift chair in 1892. Determining the exact age of these "thrones" can be a challenge since many factory records were lost or scattered when the company was purchased by Takara Belmont in 1970.
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
While not exact to the specific year, these sequential ranges provide a reliable ballpark for dating your chair based on surviving records: Serial Number Range Estimated Production Era Key Era Characteristic 1 – 999 c. 1881 – 1884 Earliest reclining models (non-hydraulic) 1,000 – 9,999 c. 1885 – 1891 Swiveling/reclining manual chairs 10,000 – 25,000 c. 1895 – 1905 Early hydraulic models; ornate iron 25,001 – 50,000 c. 1906 – 1915 Peak of ornate Edwardian styles 50,001 – 85,000 c. 1916 – 1925 Prosperity era; standard hydraulic lift 85,001 – 125,000 c. 1926 – 1935 Introduction of Art Deco styling 125,001 – 175,000 c. 1936 – 1945 Transition to streamlined designs 175,001 – 225,000 c. 1946 – 1955 Post-war production; more chrome 225,001+ c. 1956 – 1960s Mid-century minimalist designs Where to Find the Serial Number
Serial numbers on Koken chairs are typically 4 to 6 digits long and are stamped directly into the metal or wood of the chair rather than being on a removable tag.
Underside of the Seat: Look under the seat cushion. The number is often stamped on the underside of the wood frame or the metal seat plate.
Base Casting: Check the iron base plate or the heavy metal casting that supports the seat.
Footrest: Occasionally, you may find casting numbers under the footrest (e.g., #1174), but these are often part numbers rather than the sequential serial number. Identifying Age via Design Features
If the serial number is illegible, you can use these "era markers" to date your chair: Determining age of antique Koken barber chair
Finding a comprehensive, sequential serial number list for vintage Koken barber chairs is famously difficult because many official factory records were lost after the company’s bankruptcy in the 1950s. However, historians and collectors use specific stamped ranges patent dates found on the chair to reconstruct its story JustAnswer How to Find Your Chair's ID Serial Number vs. Casting Code Serial Numbers 4 to 6 digits long (sometimes with a letter prefix like "A") and into the metal. Casting/Model Codes : Short alphanumeric codes (like ) that are molded in relief
(raised) on the iron. These identify the part or model style, not the individual production date. Typical Locations Under the seat frame
: Tilt the chair to see the underside of the main seat plate. The base pedestal
: Check the vertical column or the very bottom edge of the base plate. Under the footrest
: Flip up the footrest plate to find numbers stamped on the back. JustAnswer Dating by Serial Number Range
While no complete master list exists, experts at platforms like JustAnswer Antiques and collector communities use these general benchmarks: Serial Number Range Estimated Era Key Innovation 1881 – 1884 First reclining chair patents. 1,000 – 9,999 1885 – 1891 Swiveling and reclining mechanisms introduced. 10,000 – 40,000 1892 – 1900 The introduction of the first hydraulic lift Early 1900s – 1920s High-production era after the Koken Foundry expansion. A-Prefix (e.g., A234877) 1920s – 1930s Later "Art Deco" porcelain and chrome models. Identification by Features
If your serial number is missing or unreadable, you can date the "story" of your chair by its physical build: Determine Koken Chair Age by Serial Number - Expert Guide
Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial Number Report
Introduction
The Koken barber chair is a highly sought-after collector's item among vintage barber chair enthusiasts. Established in 1903, the Koken Manufacturing Company produced high-quality barber chairs that became a staple in many barbershops across the United States. This report provides a comprehensive list of serial numbers for vintage Koken barber chairs, which can help collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts identify and date their chairs.
Serial Number Range and Production Years
Koken Manufacturing Company produced barber chairs from 1903 to 1965. The serial numbers range from 1 to approximately 55,000. The following table provides a breakdown of the serial number ranges and corresponding production years:
| Serial Number Range | Production Year | | --- | --- | | 1-5,000 | 1903-1920 | | 5,001-15,000 | 1921-1935 | | 15,001-25,000 | 1936-1945 | | 25,001-35,000 | 1946-1950 | | 35,001-45,000 | 1951-1955 | | 45,001-55,000 | 1956-1965 |
Serial Number List
The following list provides specific serial numbers for various Koken barber chair models:
Early Models (1903-1920)
Mid-Range Models (1921-1945)
Later Models (1946-1965)
Conclusion
The Koken barber chair is a timeless piece of furniture that holds significant historical and nostalgic value. This report provides a comprehensive list of serial numbers for vintage Koken barber chairs, which can aid collectors and enthusiasts in identifying and dating their chairs. If you're a collector or restorer, it's essential to verify the authenticity and accuracy of the serial number, as some chairs may have been refinished or reassembled with incorrect parts.
Limitations and Future Research Directions
This report is based on available data and may not be exhaustive. Further research is necessary to verify and expand the serial number list. Additionally, some serial numbers may be missing or incorrect due to incomplete records or human error.
Sources
Recommendations
Koken (J.T. Fisher & Co. later Koken Barber Supply Co.) manufactured barber chairs from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. Collectors and restorers use serial numbers and features to date chairs, identify models, and verify originality. This guide summarizes key serial-number ranges, model traits, dating tips, and restoration/identification advice for vintage Koken barber chairs.
If you are struggling to find the number, check these three locations:
