: Intricately quartersawn oak framing paired with highly decorative nickel-plated iron castings.
: Be careful not to confuse casting numbers (e.g., "52CB") with serial numbers . Casting numbers are part identifiers used during manufacturing and are shared by all chairs of that specific model, whereas serial numbers are unique sequential identifiers. Koken Barber Chair Timeline & Serial Ranges
Serial numbers are a starting point, but Koken produced many models over 60+ years. Use these physical clues to verify your chair's era:
Identifying the age and model of your chair often starts with the . While no single, official factory database remains publicly accessible today, experts and collectors have pieced together a chronological framework to help you date your piece. Where to Find Your Koken Serial Number
Koken chairs typically have their serial numbers stamped directly into the frame or wood, rather than on a removable plate.
: Ornate, furniture-style wooden legs rather than a central pedestal column. 2. The Golden Age of Iron & Filigree (1892 – 1915)
This comprehensive guide features the approximate serial number list, explains how to locate hidden identification marks, and outlines chronological design traits to accurately date your antique chair. Koken Barber Chair Serial Number Reference List
Since no official master ledger is public, the antique barber community has created a working document of approximate dates based on observed serial numbers. Below is the closest thing to a you will find on the internet today.
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Distinctive traits:
: Some early mid-century variants feature stamped numbers on the raw metal underbelly of the filigree foot grate. Avoiding Model Code Confusion
No. Early Koken chairs (pre-1905) often only had the patent date. They considered inventory tracking less important than protecting their IP. These are often the most valuable.









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