Identifying Koken Barber Chair

[Cora Hickel]

Morethan just a utilitarian piece of furniture, antique Koken barber chairs are actually works of art. Because of the gorgeous materials and craftsmanship in these chairs, collectors now seek them out and pay thousands of dollars for them.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Koken Barbers Supply Company crafted thousands of these chairs for barbers throughout the country. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Koken was more than just the largest barber supply company in the United States; it was also the brand of barber chair. The company's founder, Earnest E. Koken, held patents for several important barber supply products.

You can identify a Koken barber chair because the company marked most chairs with the name. Examine the metal parts of the chair for the word "Koken." From there, you can learn more about it. Knowing the date it was made, the model, and the serial number can help you determine a chair's value.

One of the easiest ways to determine the age of a Koken chair is to look at the features it has. Reclining chairs without a hydraulic lift system may date to the 1880s and early 1890s. Koken became famous for the lift system, and many of the chairs made after 1892 have this feature.

You can also examine the styling for clues, since the company followed the trends of the time. Chairs made in the 1920s and 1930s have a distinct Art Deco look, and those made near the end of the company's history have a mid-century appeal.

Craftsmen used only the finest materials to manufacture many models of Koken barber chairs. Many examples feature tufted leather seats, padded arm and foot rests, and frames constructed of quarter-sawn oak or walnut. The frames sometimes featured elaborate wood carvings. On these chairs, even the metalwork was ornate. The seat brackets, parts of the footrest, and the base all have beautiful scroll designs and high-quality craftsmanship. Some of the most valuable antique Koken chairs feature working hydraulic lifts for which the company was famous.

At the low end of the value spectrum, a complete Koken chair with major condition issues might sell for less than $500. A chair in this price range could have some rust, major upholstery issues, or poorly replaced upholstery, and would probably date from the 1940s or 1950s. It would likely not feature elaborate carvings or a working hydraulic lift.

A more sought after Koken chair could sell for as much as $5,000 to $6,000. This type of chair would be in perfect condition and would have a working hydraulic lift, beautiful wood carvings, and original leather upholstery in perfect condition. It would probably hail from the late 1800s through the Art Deco era.

It's important to note that an antique barber chair can weigh hundreds of pounds, so shipping these items across the country can be cost-prohibitive. If you can find a local option for buying or selling an antique barber chair, you will save on the cost of transportation.

Koken barber chairs are an important part of hair styling history, but they aren't the only vintage and antique barber chairs you'll see. It's fun to browse the many options for these beautiful and functional treasures and learn about their history.

From barbershops and salons to antique furniture and barber chair collections, different types of antique barber chairs have an appeal everywhere. Named after its inventor, the Koken barber chair is one of the most renowned and dominating chairs of the nineteenth century.

Koken barber chairs were the first barber chairs with hydraulics. These antique barber chairs have a rich history and distinguishable features. This article will discuss the history, different features, and price of Koken barber chairs.

Only the finest materials went into manufacturing different models of Koken barber chairs. Notable features of these chairs included tufted leather seats, padded arm and footrests, and frames constructed of quarter-sawn oak or walnut. The frames often featured defined wood carvings. On these chairs, even the metalwork was extravagant. The seat brackets, the base, and parts of the footrest all have beautiful scroll designs and high-quality craftsmanship.

Ernest Koken was a reputable German citizen for his engineering and designing skills. He began working on the hydraulic lift for Koken barber chairs in the 1890s. Being an engineer by heart, he patented his reclining chair design in 1881. He patented his hydraulic chair a decade later (in 1892). If you have ever sat on a hydraulically powered chair in a barbershop (hard to find someone who hasn't), give credit to this man. After the death of Ernest, his son inherited the company, Koken's Barber's Supply company, and it expanded more than ever. Ernest's company became the leading barber supply business in the United States under his wing, and they expanded their business to other barber supplies.

Koken barber chairs are valued anywhere from $500-$6,000. At the lower end of the value spectrum, a complete Koken chair with major condition issues might sell for less than $500. The chair might have some major upholstery issues, rust or poorly replaced upholstery at this price range.

These antique chairs' price varies depending on condition, age, and model. Koken barber chairs are valued anywhere from $500-$6,000. At the lower end of the value spectrum, a complete Koken chair with major condition issues might sell for less than $500. The chair might have some major upholstery issues, rust or poorly replaced upholstery at this price range. The chair would probably date from the 1940s or 1950s and was not stored properly. It would likely not feature a working hydraulic lift or elaborate carvings. A Koken chair in better condition could sell for $5000-$6000. At this price range, the chair would be in perfect condition and would have beautiful wood carvings, a working hydraulic lift, and original leather upholstery, and would be stored in an ideal manner. It would probably date from the early 1900s. A fully restored chair can cost you up to $5600, which would retain a perfect condition.

If you're shopping for antique Koken barber chairs, there are few things you should consider. Get it appraised by a second source for the authentic product. Moreover, be informed about the chair's current condition and history. These chairs usually received hard daily use, were exposed to hair care products regularly. The value of these chairs varies by a great deal with their condition. If you're buying online, you should remember that photos do not always show water spots and other damage. Therefore, you might want to add a contingency clause.

Whether you're a collector or a barbershop owner, an antique Koken barber chair will add value to your collection with its unique design and story. You can also use a restored Koken barber chair in your salon to attract your customers and enrich your business.

I've got to kokin barber chairs for sale I don't have the year they were made but I am sixty years old and they have been in my father's barber shop in Cheraw SC called Perry's since I can remember hydro.works fine send me a Gmail to me and I'll send pictures Charles

I've got to kokin barber chairs for sale I don't have the year they were made but I am sixty years old and they have been in my father's barber shop in Cheraw SC called Perry's since I can remember hydro.works fine send me a Gmail to me and I'll send pictures

I have a Koken Barber chair with child seat for sale. Not sure of age, but guessing the 1950's. In pretty good condition considering the age. Only defect I see is in the footrest. Not sure, but could be easy fix. Would love to talk to someone about it.

I have a red and white St. Louis Koken barber chair, in working condition. I am in Philadelphia and would like to sell this chair. I am open to sell the chair in full, or would consider selling off parts.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss details.

Once upon a time, however, this was far from the case. Such goes the story of a young Ernest Koken, a German citizen born in 1855, right on the cusp of the industrial revolution which would give rise to the technology he would employ to fame and fortune.

Diversifying his portfolio, Koken began to dream bigger, inventing his very first innovative barber chair in 1881, at the age of just 26. This chair reclined so as to allow barbers to more easily and safely shave their patients using straight razors. Four years later, Koken added swivel mechanisms to his chairs, affording barbers and their patients even greater levels of comfort and practicality.

Finally, in 1892, after eleven years of improvements upon an already-impressive piece of barbering upholstery, Koken patented hydraulic lifts to power his barber chair, on top of the swivel and recline. Thus, the Koken Barber Chair we know and love today was born.

Finally, you should take a look at the framework of the hydraulic chair itself. Most Koken barber chairs, especially those made between the 1890s and 1930s, had frames built of oak, walnut, and other sturdy, attractive wood.

trying to date my koken barber chair. it is a koken as the foot rest is ingraved. the only information is on the round tin plate it says B 5216 . this plate covers the hydraulic oil hole when you take the chair top off the base.

The fluid reservoir, often called the hydraulic oil tank, is where the hydraulic fluid is stored. It is typically located underneath the seat or towards the base of the chair. The hydraulic cylinder and piston are connected to the seat and allow for smooth and controlled movement.

To determine how much fluid to use in your Koken barber chair, you need to locate the fluid reservoir. The exact location may vary depending on the model and design of your chair, but it is generally located underneath the seat or towards the base of the chair.

Step 2: Locate the fluid reservoir and remove the cap or plug. Use a funnel to pour the hydraulic fluid into the reservoir. Be mindful not to overfill, keeping in mind the 75% guideline.

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