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Antique Barber Chairs, why collectors love them

Historical evidence suggests the production of the first barber chair dates as far back as the 1800’s. However, discovery of some rare hand crafted versions may date back even farther. The vintage barber chair genre is fast becoming a major antique dealer item and the collecting popularity of the chair continues to reflect a steady and rapid increase.

Considered a collector’s hidden gem some antique barber chairs bring exorbitant sums of money at many prestigious auction houses. There are several factors for determining the value of an antique barber chair. A chair in well-preserved condition generates higher values. In addition, the age of the object will stipulate the importance and rarity factor. The older the chair the higher the possible generated auction price may be. Another important value aspect considered when evaluating the item is the intricate adjustment features. The more detailed and sophisticated, the more in demand the chair is to collectors.

The Saint Louis based Archer Company patented their chair in 1878 and it is this particular version, complete with reclining lever and foot and head rests that today’s chairs are adapted from. Two prominent producers of the nineteenth century implemented design improvements such as a swivel component. Chicago based Theodore Koch and Cincinnati based Eugene Berninghaus manufactured barber chairs updated with these additions.

If you are lucky enough to own an original Koch or Berninghaus antique barber chair produced by either of these manufacturers; also including well-known designer Ernest Koken you may be sitting on a small fortune. Ernest Koken is memorable for adding hydraulic features to the chair and enjoyed induction into the Barber’s Hall of Fame. Collectors consider antique barber chairs originating from any of these individuals to be “Holy Grail” of chairs.

The timelessness of antique barber chairs include many value-increasing features not found in today’s styles. The amount of original material adds to the rarity. Many valuable chairs provide stunning etched designs. Hand crafted artwork may be found on the chrome-plated footrests as well as the iron-plated hand rests. Quality wood materials of oak, elmwood, mahogany and rosewood are distinct features. Furthermore, collectors inspect antique barber chairs for the unique reclining and elevating systems, which are often gas-piston operated. Collectors and auction houses look for a chair with minimum or no restoration; original seat cushions may be soiled or torn but provide a higher selling value than a restored seat cushion.

There are avenues available for individuals interested in evaluating the current worth of their barber chair. Several on-line websites provide dealers who specialize in collecting, selling and evaluating this particular genre. Although many on-line bidding sites provide opportunities for auctioning a valuable chair, it is recommended procuring the services of a professional, reputable and knowledgeable auction house or antique collector. This is a smart investment for securing your item throughout the entire buying and selling process.

If you are looking to invest in an antique chair or sell an existing one, it is imperative to research the antique dealer for authenticity. It helps if the dealer belongs to a reputable body such as The Antique and Art Dealers Association of America. Before meeting with a reputable dealer, research the individual’s background thoroughly. If they are reputable, the internet should provide a wealth of important information including business associations, customer reviews, industry awards and years of operation. Additionally, research your barber chair thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with the objects features and compare them to a similar item. Whether seeking to own an antique chair or you would like to know the value of your investment, the strongest advice is to implement thorough research.

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167 Responses

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  1. Jamie says
    March 26, 2018 at 2:36 pm

    I have a Kochs barber chair I want to sell Located in West Chester Pennsylvania

    Reply
    • Greg says
      May 2, 2019 at 7:03 am

      Please email pictures or call me 646-708-1524
      [email protected]

      Reply
      • Terry Benge says
        August 3, 2019 at 12:24 am

        I have a red Kochs barber chair I want to sell. Over 100 years old in good working condition. I’m in Eugene Oregon.

  2. Chris OBERG says
    April 14, 2018 at 5:53 pm

    I am looking for a source for the non-skid material on the stationary foot rest for a Kochs chair. Any ideas?

    Reply
  3. Ron says
    July 28, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    I have a KOKEN barber chair. Only number I find on it is next to the hydraulic oil cap under the seat.
    #127009. This chair also has a pivoting seat clamped to the base for the barber to sit on {while giving shaves?}
    Any idea as to the year manufactured?

    Reply
  4. Anne Homan says
    September 18, 2018 at 5:24 am

    I have a very cool barber chair

    Reply
    • Anne Homan says
      September 18, 2018 at 5:29 am

      It’s very old! Completely restored…even has the original paper roll with paper on the head rest! My Grandpa was a barber in Dubuque, Iowa And bought this chair used in the early 1900s

      Reply
  5. Jim Graham says
    April 1, 2019 at 4:13 pm

    Pair of 1860 August Kern barber’s chairs Originally from the Mississippi steamboat “St Louis.”
    Manufactured in St Louis, Mo. Unrestored Proof of authenticity.
    Pics available, if anyone would like to make an offer around $8,000US each.

    Reply
    • Greg says
      May 2, 2019 at 7:05 am

      Im interested 646-708-1524

      Reply
    • Johnny says
      July 3, 2019 at 4:13 pm

      Is the pair of August Kern barber chairs still available? Please call 865-898-3042 John

      Reply
  6. Jeffrey says
    July 13, 2019 at 9:05 am

    I am in central Ohio and selling a c. 1969 Belevedere Barber Chair. Lucite seat with cream vinyl. Neon green free form enamel base. Hydraulics work great. Minor condition issues. Cool chair for the collector or just wanting a unique chair. Shoot me a message if interested. Many thanks. $200.00

    Reply
  7. Paula says
    August 30, 2019 at 1:28 am

    Can someone help me with information on a Emil J Paidar barber’s chair…wood panels, caster wheels, metal foot rest, leather with rivets, head rest, pivots, two back foot pedals, ceramic button, Patent 1675547

    Reply
  8. Peter Osbourne says
    October 16, 2019 at 6:48 am

    I have a complete in working condition E.Berninghaub Cincinnati.O antique barbers chair
    model Climax I think approximately 1880. I live in Australia and will arrange shipping if necessary
    have photos if required Offers
    Peter Osbourne
    [email protected]

    Reply
  9. Dave Robbins says
    October 22, 2019 at 9:19 pm

    I am looking for information on a child’s Koken barber chair. Does anyone know where I can get a footrest ?

    Reply
  10. April Rizzuti says
    November 19, 2019 at 5:07 pm

    I have an Emil J. PAIDAR antique hydraulic barber chair color burgundy in good condition I’m looking to sell but dont know where to go so. I am located in Hamden , CT I was hoping you may know
    Thank you
    April

    Reply
  11. Summer says
    January 14, 2020 at 3:32 am

    Hi! I have a Koken barber chair with the number A261893 stamped. Can you please help me identify the manufacture year and any other information? I am in love with “her.” I’ve even named her Geraldine ????

    Reply
  12. cleveland rodgers says
    January 15, 2020 at 7:29 pm

    tried to make account so could sell a old barber chair not able to make account why

    Reply
  13. Brad H says
    May 6, 2020 at 3:29 am

    I just acquired a Berninghaus Hercules barber chair in good condition. Could someone help me determine what it may be worth? I’m not sure if I want to sell it or keep it. Thanks,

    Reply
    • Ruben says
      June 23, 2020 at 10:50 pm

      I’m interested can you send a pic…

      Reply
  14. Dusty Lawson says
    August 9, 2020 at 6:14 pm

    I have a 1940 Barber chair intact needs very minor restoration asking $800

    Reply
  15. Russell says
    August 26, 2020 at 12:12 pm

    I have a koken barber chair that I’m trying to get some additional information on. #49801
    Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  16. GeorgeKem says
    September 6, 2020 at 3:44 pm

    Самые топовые и нужные предложения
    http://offeramazon.ru/репетитор

    Reply
  17. Melinda says
    September 8, 2020 at 6:05 am

    I have 2 emil j paidar barber chairs. 1930’s. Model#504. Good condition. Also lighted vanities with sterile unit cupboards. Good condition. Can not find any information on their worth. 315 532 7801

    Reply
  18. Gary Davlut says
    October 22, 2020 at 7:40 pm

    we Have 2 model 570 Paidar barber chairs,one completely rebuilt but it’s been 15 years since I got all second chair parts rechromed and disassembled.Does anybody have a manual they can share ?

    Reply
  19. Lisa Dean says
    November 6, 2020 at 3:12 pm

    I have a Koken barber chair I want to sell. I have tried to post an ad and even tried through the suggested imgur.com, but to no avail. I have emailed the administrator and I got an automated reply suggesting asking someone in the forum. Thanks.

    Reply
  20. Reno says
    November 14, 2020 at 9:03 pm

    Emil J. Paidar barber chair available in our current online auction: https://www.renobabcock.com/lotdetail.php?LotID=100047622&AuctionCo=renob&page=1&LotNumber=100047622&SelectLotAuctionDate=552.

    Reply
  21. Wendy L says
    November 23, 2020 at 10:08 pm

    Available for sale. Everett WA
    Koken Barber Chair -My Dad had it reupholstered many years ago. Its been on display.
    Aqua Blue finish. Hydraulics work, Child chair that sits on back of chair with an antique hand carved horse for the kiddies to hold onto. Side stool attached and spins around. New razor strap. A256631
    I have it listed on Craigslist. Email me if interested.

    Reply
    • Wendy L says
      November 23, 2020 at 10:59 pm

      website https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/atq/d/everett-koken-barber-chair/7233937334.html

      Reply
  22. Ruth says
    December 4, 2020 at 7:17 pm

    I have a barber chair (bought in 1916 second hand) that was taken apart by movers – I’m looking for someone to put it back together – western Massachusetts (Northampton area). Wondering if you have suggestions.

    Thanks in advance

    Reply
  23. miles e turner says
    January 4, 2021 at 5:33 pm

    Can someone help me identify and find a part for an antique barber/dentist chair? I have an old tilting chair that has a foot rest and birds carved into the hand grip areas. There is a brass plate that says PAT Feb. 80. There was copper? on the step of the foot rest and a place for a ?cast iron foot rest that is missing. There is an ornamental cast iron plate that attached to the underside of the chair says “Cream City”. I would like any information on the chair and help replacing the foot rest plate that is 9×15 inches. Thanks.

    Reply
  24. Mario says
    March 18, 2021 at 10:46 pm

    Looking for berninghaus single mount footrest. The actual foot rest I have. I need the part where the footrest attaches

    Reply
  25. Shawn Davenport says
    June 17, 2021 at 12:51 pm

    Hello I have a Takara Belmont on a Electric base in good condition some cracking in the seat my guess is mid 60s everything works as it should I’ve only found 1 other it was the 1st addition Takara Belmont on Electric Bay base and the arm reset on the chair was more rounded!
    Would know a Reasonable price!
    Thanks

    Reply

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