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Essential Koken Barber Chair Parts

by Antique Collector

Due to the popularity of the Koken brand, there seems to be a demand for Koken barber chair parts. An extensive search on a widely recognized online auction site yielded a number of pieces that are being traded or offered for sale. Let’s take a peek at each one.

Please keep in mind that this is in no way a definitive resource on the subject. The goal is to have an overview of the parts and an understanding of how they connect with the whole.

Here’s a shortlist of Koken barber chair parts that exist on the marketplace at this time (from top to bottom):

  • headrest
  • backrest
  • arm rest
  • seat, seat base
  • hydraulic lift mechanism
  • calf rest, footrest
  • base

Koken Barber Chair Parts

Headrest
The headrest is a removable accessory that plays a huge role during massage sessions. An antique Koken headrest is usually made of cast iron with a brass bracket and leather upholstery. A chrome finish is usually preferred in restoration projects. This part also includes some kind of a push button control that allows for the removal of the headrest when activated.

Backrest
The backrest is often matched with the headrest and the seat. The frame is likewise made of cast iron. The cushioning is covered with leather. This part can also accommodate a piece of metal called the towel bar that can be attached to the rear.

Arm rest
Arm rests occasionally provide accent to the barber chair. When the color matches the base and complements the upholstery, the chair incredibly stands out. The assembly is similar to the frames and are often chromed. Other variants come with ash trays attached.

Seat
The seat is also matched with the backrest. It has the same components as the others above it. However, the seat base serves an important role. It can be the location of the towel bar, and it’s often where the handle that allows the barber chair to recline is found. The handle also functions as a control mechanism to elevate or lower the chair.

Hydraulic Lift Mechanism
The system that conveniently allows the chair to go up or down is the hydraulic lift. It is a complex apparatus that has its own subparts. It contains the piston pump assembly, relief valve, filter, plunger, cylinder and the hydraulic cover that’s generally made of oak. This mechanism is a trademark of early Koken barber chairs.

Calf rest, Footrest
The calf rest is matched with the parts above it and is made of the same material as the other Koken barber chair parts. It has specific sizes that can only fit relevant units. The upholstery is also made of leather. The footrest, on the other hand seems to be the manufacturer’s favorite location to showcase its brand. The assembly is made up of cast iron frame with an intricate logo on the lower part and cushioning on the upper part.

Base
Finally, there’s the base that firmly supports the chair on the ground. It is normally made of porcelain. A chrome metal ring serves as a covering for the line that connects the upper section and the bottom.

If there are other Koken barber chair parts that were not discussed, let us know in the comments.


88 Comments
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88 Responses

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  1. Katie Garner says
    November 2, 2017 at 10:55 am

    Hello,

    I am emailing from a production company in London. We are making a show about antique restorations and I wanted to ask some questions about an antique 19th barbers chair we have. We want to know how the head rest may have been contracted as we are missing an element. It is currently a bare shell showing some springs. I have photos and more information if you need.

    If you think you could help it would be wonderful if you could email me to discuss further. If not, do you have any contacts who might specialise in this sort of thing?

    Many thanks,

    Katie

    Reply
    • nick says
      December 14, 2017 at 9:11 am

      Contact j&n antique barber chair RESTORATIONS located in the states in York sc 803-370-0447

      Reply
    • Steve says
      January 24, 2018 at 1:53 am

      Don’t know what specific chair you have, but the headrest probably has (or had) some rollers and axles that held a small roll of thin paper similar to what’s still used on medical exam tables. On my chair, the paper roll would live in the bottom of the headrest, come out and over the springs, then go through two white rubber rollers. Rolls of this paper are randomly available on eBay.

      It’s common for people to make a flap of the same leather the seat is upholstered in to cover the springs now.

      Reply
  2. Vinesh says
    January 3, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    Hi Nick

    Please send the full physical address of J & N antique barber chair restorations and there website details (if possible).

    Thanks.
    V

    Reply
  3. John Jones says
    January 7, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    Moved a Koken Model 54 barber chair and oil leaked out of base when turned on it’s side, trying to find out how to fill it, anybody I can contact to find how to get info about filling it up, thanks

    Reply
  4. Irma says
    February 22, 2018 at 7:40 pm

    Recently purchased a 1920 Koken Barber Chair

    What type oil, hydraulic fluid is used on this chair and were can it be purchased

    Reply
    • Steve says
      March 1, 2018 at 1:06 am

      Straight 30-weight, non-detergent compressor or hydraulic oil. You may have better luck at hardware, rather than auto stores.

      Reply
  5. Dave says
    March 17, 2018 at 5:23 am

    I just purchased a Koken model 526a and wanted to know if this Particular type was a hydraulic style ?

    Reply
  6. Joe angella says
    April 27, 2018 at 7:38 pm

    I have a Koken chair circa 1950. On the armrests are a bib for an ashtray and a nail tray for manicures. I have the ashtray but need the nail tray to complete the appearance of the chair. Any help??

    Reply
  7. Carl Brewer says
    November 20, 2018 at 4:47 pm

    After 60 years of sitting in the basement, I think it’s time to restore Dad’s Koken Congress barber chair. Everything seems to be there, but it needs a complete disassembly, cleaning and restoring. Is there a site anywhere that shows a ‘how to’ process to follow (especially with the hydraulics), or is it just a hit and miss procedure? Also, the chair has white enamel over the oak. Does anyone know if the original chairs were left natural or painted? Thanks for any input!

    Reply
  8. Jeni says
    February 5, 2019 at 2:15 am

    I have 3 Koken Barber chairs & one will not recline all the way . We have tried to adjust the linkage but it will not stay locked.
    Any one that has that problem??

    Reply
  9. Keith Valley says
    April 10, 2019 at 9:11 pm

    just bought a Koken stand for a project. But it came without the brake
    measured the brake opening which is 1&1/4 by 1&3/8ths” any idea where I can find
    a brake pad to fit?

    Thanks

    Keith

    Reply
  10. JJSears says
    July 1, 2019 at 8:54 pm

    I have restored an old Koken chair, but during the process I lost the name badge that fits into the footrest plate opening on top / front…..it was a spring loaded brass insignia……any chance you can steer me towards a replacement.
    Thanks
    JJSears

    Reply
  11. Michael Yaccarino says
    August 4, 2019 at 12:32 pm

    Hi
    Need a footrest can you recommend anyone who might have parts?
    Mike

    Reply
  12. Charlie says
    November 24, 2019 at 5:38 pm

    I have a koken comet that wont go up and down …i am missing hydraulic fluid but i am also missing what appear s to be a spring where my hydraulic arm release the tension of the hydraulic pump and the chair lowers…
    Where can i find this piece…or a fair replacement alternative

    Reply
  13. Daniel Rocha says
    November 30, 2019 at 3:46 pm

    I have an old barber chair. I was moving it and a fork like piece fell as the chair extended up high. I was trying to put it back and it fell inside the base. Do you know what it is and does? It may lock the chair.

    Reply
  14. Jaime canela says
    January 22, 2020 at 3:38 pm

    I am looking for a set of arms that hold the flipping foot rest on a liken barber chair. My name is Jaime, to reach me quicker my phone number is 831 2076547

    Reply
  15. Fred Harris says
    March 30, 2020 at 1:16 am

    Looking for a manual to see how the hydraulic system is put together and if I have all the parts for a Koch barber Chair 1920’s .
    Also, is there a breakdown of what nut and bolt sizes are needed to assemble?

    Reply
    • GENE MCCARTHY says
      August 11, 2022 at 9:00 pm

      I found a paperback book that I just ordered online. I have a KOKEN and it is for that but I Googled KOKEN barber chair assembly and it came up.

      Reply
  16. Carlos Cavazos says
    September 6, 2020 at 5:52 pm

    Hi: I’m looking for a Long Arm Hinge Bracket Left Side for my Koken Barber Chair. I have pictures of what I need. If you email me I’ll be able to send you a picture. Thank You
    (210)887-5413

    Reply
  17. Richard Acosta says
    November 27, 2020 at 7:26 pm

    I just bought a Koken barber chair that needs major restoration. I’m missing the Headrest and Arms. How do I identify what year it was manufactured if it doesn’t have a badge on the back? It is not to ornate, it is a rounded edge square back and seat. Thanks for any info I’m in Sacramento Calif.

    Rich

    Reply
  18. GENE MCCARTHY says
    August 11, 2022 at 8:59 pm

    I am looking for the “Brake parts” for a KOKEN barber chair. I am not sure if this is an option or is standard but the chair I have does not have one and would like to install it if possible. I would appreciate it if you could give me any information you could and let me know if any parts are available.

    Thank you I look forward to hearing from you.

    Reply
  19. Jim says
    February 6, 2024 at 2:56 pm

    Need to refill the hydraulic fluid in my father’s Koken Barber chair and need to know how much (quantity) to put in. A pint, 1qt, 2 qts????….dont want to over fill….thanks

    Reply
  20. Bob Myers says
    March 22, 2024 at 7:14 pm

    I have an old Koken Barber chair, serial number 29379. I believe it’s from around the turn of the century.
    It is hydraulic, entire base is oak with 4 legs. Nearing the end of restoring it and would like to know what year it was manufactured.

    Reply
  21. Steven Hendrickson says
    July 23, 2024 at 10:39 pm

    Do you buy broken chairs with usable parts. I have three with many good parts.

    Reply

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