: If your chair has a Takara Belmont label, it was produced after the late 1960s, following the acquisition of the Koken brand. Patent Dates
: Look at the underside or margins of the footrest. While numbers here are often assembly/pattern numbers (e.g., "849"), they occasionally correspond with factory batch logs.
To determine the age of your Koken barber chair, locate the serial number. It is usually found on a brass plate on the base, under the seat, or stamped onto the cast iron mechanism. vintage koken barber chair serial number list
For barber enthusiasts and collectors, vintage Koken barber chairs are highly sought after for their exceptional craftsmanship, durability, and nostalgic appeal. Koken, a renowned manufacturer of barber chairs, has been producing high-quality chairs since the late 19th century. If you're a collector or enthusiast looking to identify and date your vintage Koken barber chair, understanding the serial number system is crucial. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to the vintage Koken barber chair serial number list, helping you to identify and appreciate your chair's history.
Finding a serial number on a Koken chair requires checking specific locations, as the placement shifted based on the manufacturing decade. : If your chair has a Takara Belmont
If you cannot find the serial number, or it is too worn to read, find the
| Serial Number Range | Estimated Era | Key Features | |--------------------|---------------|----------------| | 1000 – 5000 | 1895–1905 | Hand-crank only, oak/iron frame, no hydraulics | | 5001 – 15000 | 1906–1915 | Early hydraulic pump base, smooth upholstery | | 15001 – 40000 | 1916–1929 | Art Deco cast feet, tufted backrest | | 40001 – 80000 | 1930–1941 | Streamlined design, chrome accents | | 80001 – 120000 | 1945–1954 | Full enamel/chrome, hydraulic foot pump | | 120001 – 170000 | 1955–1965 | Reclining mechanism, larger headrest | | 170001+ | 1966–1972 | Late models, often exported | To determine the age of your Koken barber
: This is the most common location. Look for numbers stamped directly onto the wood or the metal frame beneath the seat cushion.
Before you can date your chair, you must find the number. Koken was meticulous about labeling its products, but the numbers can be hidden on older models.
: On many early-to-mid-20th-century models, a serial or casting number is stamped directly on top of the inner metal reservoir cap.
Also look for: