Invention of the first hydraulic lift system; introduction of the "Congress" model. c. 1906 – 1915
c. 1895 – 1905 (First hydraulic models). 25,001 – 50,000: c. 1906 – 1915. 50,001 – 85,000: c. 1916 – 1925.
⚠️ Note: Koken was acquired/sold in the late 1960s; serial numbers after 1970 are rare and often unverifiable. vintage koken barber chair serial number list
Serial numbers are essential for identifying and dating vintage Koken barber chairs. Each chair produced by Koken has a unique serial number that corresponds to a specific production date. By understanding the serial number system, collectors and enthusiasts can determine the age, model, and authenticity of their chair.
Since a master list is unavailable, a combination of indirect methods is required to determine a chair's age: Invention of the first hydraulic lift system; introduction
) on the footrest, but these are often part numbers rather than unique serials JustAnswer Key Dating Features
Serial numbers on Koken chairs are typically long and are stamped directly into the metal or wood of the chair rather than being on a removable tag. 1895 – 1905 (First hydraulic models)
Simplified metal work due to wartime resource constraints; functional, heavy-duty build. c. 1946 – 1950s
Generally, yes—within the same model run. However, Koken reused number blocks across different decades. A “No. 5” chair with serial 12,000 is different from an “Imperial” with serial 12,000. Always consider the model name first.
If you own one of these pieces, finding a specific, centralized "Vintage Koken Barber Chair Serial Number List" is a common hope. While a complete, publicly available database of every single Koken chair ever produced does not exist online, this article will serve as your definitive guide. We will show you exactly how to find, interpret, and date your Koken chair using its serial number, history, and design features.
: Many serial numbers are stamped directly into the heavy metal frame near the base.