Number List: Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial

Identifying the age of a vintage Koken 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

This list provides ballpark production years based on known serial number ranges: Serial Number Range Approximate Date Notable Features / Eras 1 – 999 c. 1881 Earliest patented reclining chairs. 1,000 – 9,999 c. 1885 – 1888 Introduction of swiveling and reclining patents. 10,000 – 25,000 c. 1895 – 1905 Very early hydraulic models; often wood-heavy. 25,001 – 50,000 c. 1906 – 1915 Expansion of hydraulic designs. 50,001 – 85,000 c. 1916 – 1925 Standardized hydraulic and ornate cast iron era. 85,001 – 125,000 c. 1926 – 1935 Rise of Art Deco styling and porcelain finishes. 125,001 – 175,000 c. 1936 – 1945 Later hydraulic models; war-era production. 175,001 – 225,000 c. 1946 – 1955 Post-war production; mid-century modern shifts. 225,001+ c. 1956 – 1960s Final production years. Where to Find the Numbers

Under the Seat: The most common location is stamped on the underside of the seat frame or on the wood under the cushion.

The Base: Check the iron base casting or the metal plate where the chair connects to the hydraulic pump.

Footrests: Sometimes "Koken" and model/part numbers are cast directly into the ornate metal footrest. Visual Clues for Dating

If the serial number is missing or illegible, stylistic features can narrow the date:

Hydraulics: Chairs without a hydraulic lift system almost certainly date to before 1892, when Ernest Koken patented the hydraulic lift.

Materials: Early chairs (pre-1900) often feature carved oak or walnut. By the 1920s, white porcelain and chrome became standard.

Aesthetic: Look for Art Deco sharp lines for the 1920s–30s models, or more rounded, minimalist mid-century designs for the 1950s.

If you'd like more specific info on your chair, please let me know: What specific serial number or casting codes did you find?

What is the primary material of the frame (e.g., carved wood, porcelain, or chrome)?

Does it have a hydraulic lift or a joystick-style side lever? Determine Koken Chair Age by Serial Number - Expert Guide

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 vintage koken barber chair serial number list

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

Authentic vintage Koken barber chairs are among the most sought-after antiques in the industry, particularly those featuring Ernest Koken's revolutionary hydraulic lift system

patented in 1892. Because precise factory ledgers are rare, collectors rely on approximate serial number ranges and design features to date these pieces. Finding the Serial Number

Serial numbers are typically 4 to 6 digits long. To locate yours, check these common spots: Under the seat cushion

: Often stamped directly onto the wooden frame or a metal base plate. Hydraulic reservoir : Stamped on the top of the metal reservoir under the seat. Base plate : Stamped into the metal of the chair's foot or frame. : "Casting numbers" (e.g.,

) molded into the iron are part identifiers, not unique serial numbers. Approximate Serial Number Dating List The following ranges are widely accepted by appraisers at JustAnswer as reliable benchmarks for dating hydraulic models: Serial Number Range Estimated Production Era Key Era Traits c. 1881 – 1884 Earliest reclining-only models 1,000 – 9,999 c. 1885 – 1888 Swivel and reclining patents introduced 10,000 – 25,000 c. 1895 – 1905 Early hydraulic "one-lever" models 25,001 – 50,000 c. 1906 – 1915 Elaborate Victorian oak/mahogany frames 50,001 – 85,000 c. 1916 – 1925 Introduction of porcelain and nickel plating 85,001 – 125,000 c. 1926 – 1935 Art Deco influences; rounded backs 125,001 – 175,000 c. 1936 – 1945 Streamlined designs; pre-war production 175,001 – 225,000 c. 1946 – 1955 Post-war, mid-century modern styling 225,001 and higher c. 1956 – 1960s Final production before the 1969 Takara buyout Collector's Evaluation Tips 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

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: Identifying the age of a vintage Koken barber

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 —

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.

As-Is Condition: Unrestored chairs with rust or upholstery issues often sell for under $500. Determine Koken Chair Age by Serial Number - Expert Guide

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. Disclaimer: This list is compiled from auction records

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

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

The Crowd-Sourced Vintage Koken Serial Number List (Approximations)

Since no official master ledger is public, the antique barber community has created a working document of approximate dates based on observed serial numbers. Below is the closest thing to a vintage Koken barber chair serial number list you will find on the internet today.

| Serial Number Range / Format | Approximate Era | Known Model Examples | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 – 2500 | 1888 – 1895 | Model A, Standard | Hand-stamped; very rare; wooden armrests. | | 2501 – 8000 | 1896 – 1905 | The “Crescent” | Transitional cast iron bases. | | 8001 – 15000 | 1906 – 1912 | The “Peerless” | First true hydraulic lifts. | | 15001 – 45000 | 1913 – 1925 | The “Koken Special” | Numbers stamped on a brass tag. | | 45001 – 95000 | 1926 – 1935 | The “Standard” No. 1 & No. 2 | Very heavy cast iron; porcelain armrests. | | 95001 – 150000 | 1936 – 1945 | Art Deco “Streamline” | Porcelain base; smooth curves. | | Letter prefix (A, B, C) + 4 digits | 1946 – 1955 | The “Elite” & “Progressive” | Post-WWII production; lighter steel. | | 6 digits (200xxx – 400xxx) | 1956 – 1965 | The “Imperial” | Last of the true “vintage” era. | | No serial number | 1966 – 1972 | Late models | Quality declined; stamps skipped. |

Disclaimer: This list is compiled from auction records and collector forums (including the Barber Eileen Group and The National Barbershop Museum archives). It is for estimation only.

1. The Patent Plate Era (Pre-1915)

These are the "holy grail" finds. If your chair has a cast iron base with ornate scrollwork and a porcelain shave-stand, check the patent dates stamped on the metal plate.

The Best Resources for Verifying Your Koken Serial Number

Since a master list doesn't exist digitally, here is where you actually go to verify your chair: