Dating a vintage Koken barber chair requires cross-referencing its with historical production ranges and evolving design features, such as the famous hydraulic lift patented in 1892. Because Koken was the premier manufacturer of its era, serial numbers (typically 4–6 digits ) were logged sequentially and remain the most reliable indicator of age. Koken Serial Number & Date Reference Chart
Koken barber chairs have a rich history dating back to 1879, when the Koken Manufacturing Company was founded in Toledo, Ohio. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality barber chairs that were both functional and stylish. Over the years, Koken continued to innovate and improve their designs, introducing new features and mechanisms that set their chairs apart from competitors.
If you'd like more specific info on your chair, please let me know: What or casting codes did you find?
: Koken patented the hydraulic lift in 1892. If your chair reclines but has no hydraulic system, it likely predates 1892.