Since no official archive exists, the "list" is a living document. Here are the three best places to access and contribute to the community list:
If you find a Koken chair with a serial number between , you have a late 1930s to early 1940s chair—the golden age of barbering. If you find one with a 4-digit number, you have a museum piece.
For collectors, restoration hobbyists, and barbershop historians, few names carry the weight of . From the Gilded Age through the mid-20th century, Koken Manufacturing Company (St. Louis, Missouri) was the undisputed king of barber furniture. Their chairs are masterpieces of cast iron, porcelain, and chrome.
Because Koken chairs sell for $1,500–$5,000+, forgery happens. Be aware of: vintage koken barber chair serial number list
: Be careful not to confuse model or casting numbers (like "52CB") with true sequential serial numbers. Other Dating Indicators
If the serial number is missing or illegible, you can narrow down the age using these features:
A Koken chair's value varies wildly based on condition and age: Unrestored/Poor Condition (1940s-50s): Often sells for less than Standard Fair Condition: Typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,700 Pristine/Professionally Restored (1890s-1920s): $4,500 to $6,000 Since no official archive exists, the "list" is
Below is a guide to help you date your chair based on serial number patterns and model names.
Determining the exact age of a vintage Koken barber chair is a common challenge for collectors because no official, comprehensive factory serial number list survives today. However, by cross-referencing known serial number ranges and design features, you can narrow down the production year of these iconic pieces. Estimated Serial Number Ranges by Era
Since no complete, official factory list exists publicly (Koken closed in the 1980s and records were lost/destroyed), this content explains and provides a field-guide style list based on known examples. Their chairs are masterpieces of cast iron, porcelain,
Do not restore a vintage Koken until you have run its serial number past the community. A rare pre-1910 model with original japanning (black lacquer) is worth more than a poorly re-chromed one. Use the "list" to know what you have before you pick up the sandblaster.
: Check the metal base plate or the frame for stamped digits.