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RARE 1920’s KOKEN Antique Barber Chair
Koken Barber Chairs, pioneered by German immigrant Ernest Koken in St. Louis around the 1870s, revolutionized barbering with patented hydraulic lifts, reclining features, and swivel mechanisms, becoming the gold standard for quality and innovation through the first half of the 20th century, though the original company went bankrupt in the 1970s, with its legacy preserved by collectors and modern manufacturers like Takara Belmont.
Early Beginnings & Innovations (1870s-1890s)
1874: Ernest Koken starts by selling custom shaving mugs.
1881: Koken patents the first reclining chair for shaving, partnered with Louis Boppert.
1885 & 1888: Further patents for revolving and reclining chairs.
1892: Introduction of the first hydraulic-lift chair, operated by a foot pedal, making barbers' work easier.
Early 1900s: Koken introduces the iconic "joystick" side lever to control all chair functions.
Golden Age & Dominance (Early-Mid 20th Century)
Koken Barber Supply Co. becomes a leading manufacturer, exporting globally.
Chairs featured plush leather, chrome, porcelain, and detailed woodwork, becoming symbols of status in barber shops.
Features like built-in ashtrays and high-quality materials defined the luxury experience.
Decline & Legacy
The company struggled with changing production methods and market demands, eventually declaring bankruptcy in the 1970s.
Today, original Koken chairs are highly sought-after antiques, valued for their craftsmanship and historical significance.
Appears to be in good functional condition although the hydraulic fluid is low and I didn’t add additional to it.