Koken Barber Chair 1920

[Barton Ostby]

Frombarbershops 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.

Q. My son has a 1960 Paidar chair that he took apart to have the parts chromed. After four years he is trying to assemble it. Does not remember how all the parts go back together. Have tried to find a repair booklet but no luck. Would appreciate any help.

Q. Paidar chair but original numbers plate missing from seat. Not sure of year and need same before I head in to full restoration. All mechanicals work well but appearance is rough. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Q. Hello I have a Paidar chair. The hydraulic pump seal appears to be bad. When I try the pump, the chair will lift about an inch, I hear the pressure vent off and the chair drops back down. I was wondering if anyone knows how much trouble it is to repair the seal and where do you buy the parts? Also, how do you check the oil level in the chair and where is the oil added? What type of fluid do you use in these chairs?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Brian (Michigan)

Q. Hi,

I am a pedal car collector. I have come across a pedal car that was used as a barber chair seat. I know the manufacturer of the pedal car but it also had metal tags on it E Paider. I did some research and found that he made barber chairs. So far so good!

The car is the easy part for me. I have an avid collector. However, the barber chair is a new and exciting area. I am missing the base with hand pump. (is that the correct terminology?).

Here is my specific question. Are all the bases interchangeable, or did each company have specific kinds?

Can I just buy a beat up barber chair from the 20's and be on my way? Any help is greatly appreciated. Rick

p.s. For a change of pace, here is my pedal car website for those interested: ibuypedalcars.com

Q. Hi! I'm restoring a Paidar chair and I have it all back together except I can get the footrest on. It's parts are just a steel cylinder like the shape of a large pill that it seems should slide into a hole on the chair where the foot rest goes to hold it in place and allow it to swivel. Problem is it won't fit. Does this make sense to anyone?? Help would be much appreciated. Driving me crazy! Thanks!

RFQ: Hi, I am looking for a Paidar right long arm (Part 507R) for a chair that I am restoring. The part needs to in good condition, i.e., plate able or already plated. If you do not have one can you recommend sources that might. Thanks.

Q. I just purchased two identical mid-1950's Emil J Paider Barber Chairs for my barber shop. I have a slightly later model barber chairs that are perfectly working and being using at my shop. We are expanding and want to add the chairs just purchased but they need work, I've done some research and there are four Barber Chair refurbishers near me in the central New Jersey area. Yet the cost of restoring theses chairs are cost prohibitive; one restorer is very expensive specializing in custom work, the others have slightly better pricing but one reupholster sends out the metal parts for refinishing (chroming), the other does the metal refinishing and sends out for reupholsters, finally the last guy has done some barber chairs but specializes is antique restoration.The average cost of restoration is around $1700 for chrome refinishing and repair, and $300 for reupholstering for a total of $2000 per chair, not including what I paid for the chair. I'm a small barber Shop with $12 haircuts for me to get a return on these chairs will take 10 years. Can anyone suggest a cheaper Barber Chair refinisher/upholster/repairer that may have better pricing, because after I restore the older chairs I want to send out my current chairs for restoration. Any takers or referrals?

Q. I just purchased two identical mid-1950's Emil J Paider Barber Chairs for my barber shop. I have a slightly later model barber chairs that are perfectly working and being using at my shop. We are expanding and want to add the chairs just purchased but they need work, I've done some research and there are four Barber Chair refurbishes near me in the central New Jersey area. Yet the cost of restoring theses chairs are cost prohibitive one restorer is very expensive specializing in custom work, the others have slightly better pricing but one reupholsters sends out the metal parts for refinishing (chroming), the other does the metal refinishing and sends out for reupholsters, finally the last guy has done some barber chairs but specializes is antique restoration.

The average cost of restoration is around $1700 for chrome refinishing and repair, and $300 for reupholstering for a total of $2000 per chair, not including what I paid for the chair. I'm a small barber Shop with $12 haircuts for me to get a return on these chairs will take 10 years. Can anyone suggest a cheaper Barber Chair refinisher/upholster/repairer that may have better pricing, because after I restore the older chairs I want to send out my current chairs for restoration. Any takers or referrals?

Hi Carlos. Thanks for the interesting insights -- and best of luck. Names of vendors, without any praise or slams are okay, but unfortunately, we've learned from 60,000 threads and 20 years on line that the one thing we can't do is suggest particular vendors (why?). Apologies! And I hope this site can be of some use to you even though we can't actually recommend vendors. Best of luck.Regards,

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