{"product_id":"untitled-sep9_08-45-24","title":"Antique 1920’s Koken White Porcelain Barber Chair Red Velvet, St. Louis","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocal Pickup Only\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot available for shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRARE 1920’s KOKEN Antique Barber Chair\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKoken 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly Beginnings \u0026amp; Innovations (1870s-1890s)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1874: Ernest Koken starts by selling custom shaving mugs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1881: Koken patents the first reclining chair for shaving, partnered with Louis Boppert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1885 \u0026amp; 1888: Further patents for revolving and reclining chairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1892: Introduction of the first hydraulic-lift chair, operated by a foot pedal, making barbers' work easier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly 1900s: Koken introduces the iconic \"joystick\" side lever to control all chair functions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden Age \u0026amp; Dominance (Early-Mid 20th Century)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKoken Barber Supply Co. becomes a leading manufacturer, exporting globally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChairs featured plush leather, chrome, porcelain, and detailed woodwork, becoming symbols of status in barber shops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeatures like built-in ashtrays and high-quality materials defined the luxury experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecline \u0026amp; Legacy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe company struggled with changing production methods and market demands, eventually declaring bankruptcy in the 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, original Koken chairs are highly sought-after antiques, valued for their craftsmanship and historical significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAppears to be in good functional condition although the hydraulic fluid is low and I didn’t add additional to it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"San Diego Antique and Unique ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55967777259688,"sku":null,"price":3288.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0418\/2340\/4200\/files\/2FCA5F2D-0978-4CA3-8281-1A1B6CC3E354.jpg?v=1788969045","url":"https:\/\/sandiegoantiqueandunique.com\/products\/untitled-sep9_08-45-24","provider":"San Diego Antique and Unique ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}