c. 1926 – 1935 (Art Deco styling peak). 125,001 – 175,000: c. 1936 – 1945.
Because original, all-inclusive factory logs are incredibly rare, historians and appraisers rely on sequential serial number patterns cross-referenced with stylistic milestones to date these masterpieces. Master Koken Serial Number Reference Table
Document every stamped number you find. Check the base, frame, and mechanical levers.
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.
What is the chair mostly made of? (e.g., carved wood, white porcelain, chrome) What exact words or dates are stamped on the footrest? What numbers have you found stamped into the metal so far? Share public link
Finding a serial number on a Koken chair requires checking the heavy mechanical frame rather than the upholstered elements. Koken systematically stamped these multi-digit numbers directly into the metal or wood support structures during assembly.
If you want to pin down the exact history of your chair, I can help you decode the details. Tell me:
Mid-century modern profiles; manufacturing later acquired by Takara Belmont. Where to Find the Serial Number
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.
As sanitation laws tightened, Koken shifted away from exposed wood to heavy, easy-to-clean porcelain-enameled cast iron.
Because original company records were lost after Koken ceased production in the 1950s, dating a chair requires combining physical design features with approximate serial number ranges. Use this comprehensive guide to locate your serial number, check the historical chronological list, and determine your vintage Koken chair's production window. 🔍 Where to Find Your Koken Serial Number
Before learning how to decode a serial number, it is important to understand the company's timeline. The Koken story begins in St. Louis, Missouri, where Ernest Koken founded the Koken Manufacturing Company in the 1870s. The brand quickly became synonymous with innovation in the barbering industry.
) on the footrest, but these are often part numbers rather than unique serials JustAnswer Key Dating Features
❌ The same serial number format applies worldwide. ✅ Fact: Export chairs (e.g., to Europe/Asia) often lack U.S.-style serials.