Identifying the age of a vintage barber chair is typically done by cross-referencing its stamped serial number with documented factory production ranges . These numbers were logged sequentially, providing a reliable—if approximate—indicator of the manufacturing year. While serial numbers are the primary tool, you should also look for casting numbers (like "52CB") or patent dates molded into the iron parts, as these help confirm the model and production era. Koken Serial Number Reference Chart
Very early hydraulic models; often four-leg solid oak construction. c. 1906 – 1915 vintage koken barber chair serial number list
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 Identifying the age of a vintage barber chair
: Check the iron base or the frame near the hydraulic mechanism for stamped digits. Koken Serial Number Reference Chart Very early hydraulic
While we may never have a perfect, line-by-line ledger from the Koken factory, the patent dates and model features serve as our serial number list. By comparing your chair’s number to the timeline above, you can place your piece of history in the right decade.
Do you have a Koken chair with a serial number not listed here? Drop it in the comments below along with any patent dates on the plate—let’s build our own master list for future collectors!
