Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial Number List File

Because no official book exists, collectors rely on shared data. Below is a list of known serial numbers and their associated patent dates/models to help you compare.

| Serial Number (Approx.) | Latest Patent Date / Model | Estimated Era | Key Features | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 - 5,000 | Oct 23, 1900 | 1900 - 1905 | Bicycle seat style, cast iron, very rare. | | 12,000 - 20,000 | June 9, 1908 | 1908 - 1915 | High back, ornate porcelain base, footrests with coin trim. | | 45,000+ | Aug 12, 1919 | 1920s | Heavy wood arms, "Koken" cast into the iron back plate. | | Varies (Model 11/12) | 1920s - 1930s | 1920s - 1930s | Distinctive flat armrests, single porcelain footrest. | | High 5-Digits | 1940s Patents | Late 30s - 40s | Transition to "President" model, streamlined metal. | | 6-Digits | Mid-Century | 1950s+ | Thick leatherette, more plastic components, "Imperial" styling. | vintage koken barber chair serial number list

Note: This table is based on collector observations. Koken reused patent plates for years, so always trust the latest date stamped on the plate. Because no official book exists, collectors rely on

Founded in 1902 by Charles Koken, the company revolutionized the industry by introducing the hydraulic lift mechanism. Before Koken, barber chairs were often clumsy and manually cranked. Koken brought luxury, durability, and engineering prowess to the barbershop. Because they were built like tanks, thousands survive today, but identifying the exact year of manufacture requires some detective work. | | 12,000 - 20,000 | June 9,

Koken (Koken Manufacturing Co., St. Louis, MO) did not maintain a fully public, linear date-to-serial-number list like an automobile manufacturer. However, based on factory records, patent dates, and collector crowdsourced data, approximate dating is possible.

This is the classic "vintage" look most people imagine. These chairs feature heavy oak or mahogany armrests and often a single porcelain footrest.