| Serial Number Range / Format | Approximate Era | Known Model Examples | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 1888 – 1895 | Model A, Standard | Hand-stamped; very rare; wooden armrests. | | 2501 – 8000 | 1896 – 1905 | The “Crescent” | Transitional cast iron bases. | | 8001 – 15000 | 1906 – 1912 | The “Peerless” | First true hydraulic lifts. | | 15001 – 45000 | 1913 – 1925 | The “Koken Special” | Numbers stamped on a brass tag. | | 45001 – 95000 | 1926 – 1935 | The “Standard” No. 1 & No. 2 | Very heavy cast iron; porcelain armrests. | | 95001 – 150000 | 1936 – 1945 | Art Deco “Streamline” | Porcelain base; smooth curves. | | Letter prefix (A, B, C) + 4 digits | 1946 – 1955 | The “Elite” & “Progressive” | Post-WWII production; lighter steel. | | 6 digits (200xxx – 400xxx) | 1956 – 1965 | The “Imperial” | Last of the true “vintage” era. | | No serial number | 1966 – 1972 | Late models | Quality declined; stamps skipped. |

If you’ve ever stumbled upon a heavy, cast-iron, porcelain-enamel barber chair in an old shop or an estate sale, chances are you’ve met a Koken. For decades, the Koken Barber Chair Company of St. Louis, Missouri, set the gold standard for barber furniture. Today, restoring a vintage Koken is a labor of love for many collectors.

Transition toward porcelain enamel frames and highly ornate nickel or chrome plating. c. 1926 – 1935

❌ The same serial number format applies worldwide. ✅ Fact: Export chairs (e.g., to Europe/Asia) often lack U.S.-style serials.

Since a master list doesn't exist digitally, here is where you actually go to verify your chair:

| Model Name / Type | Serial Number Range | Notable Features | |-------------------|---------------------|--------------------| | | 5000–25000 | Round cast base, no armrest cushion | | Elite (No. 2) | 15000–60000 | Tufted back, porcelain armrests | | Koken “Barrier” | 30000–70000 | Split upholstery (hygienic design) | | Streamline (Art Deco) | 50000–100000 | Smooth back, teardrop footrest | | Royal | 80000–130000 | Full chrome trim, adjustable headrest | | Komet | 110000–160000 | Compact base, reclining back | | Superba | 140000–170000 | Large upholstered armrests, wide seat |

Founded in 1902 by Charles Koken, the company revolutionized the industry by introducing the hydraulic lift mechanism. Before Koken, barber chairs were often clumsy and manually cranked. Koken brought luxury, durability, and engineering prowess to the barbershop. Because they were built like tanks, thousands survive today, but identifying the exact year of manufacture requires some detective work.

Non-hydraulic, mechanical hand-cranks, or rigid wooden legs. c. 1895 – 1905