Antique Barber Chairs

Antique Barber Chairs are becoming more and more popular among collectors. And the truth is there are not so many available nowadays, so if you are interested in adquiring one, either for your business or your home, you will probably have to do a deep research on the Internet.

As you probably know, the first barber chair was developed by Ernest Koken in 1906. It seems like a simple device, but at that time, it was a complete revolution, allowing the barber to adjust it depending on the height of the person. Very handy when you live at the beginning of the 19th century and are about to cut a young child’s hair! The barber could also turn the custome as needed using a swivel, plus it added a footrest and a reclining back.

What makes them so special?

Well, it’s difficult to tell, but there’s something magical about an old barber chair. You can sit on one, close your eyes and can imagine yourself getting a haircut one hundred years ago. They are also stylish (not like the chairs you will find nowadays at modern hair salons), and believe it or not, even when they were made over one century ago, really comfortable!

What are the most famous?

Well, as noted above, the first one was built by Koken. Therefore, Antique Koken Barber Chairs are usually the most valuable. Other well known brands are Koch, Belmont or Weber.

Where can I buy a vintage barber chair?

Well, if you are lucky, somebody near you might have one barber chair for sale, but usually you will have to look for them at auctions and antique stores

How much do they cost?

Obviously, it depends on the brand, the state of the chair, materials, etc. But prices normally vary between a few hundred dollars and several thousand dollars (not a very accurate statement, is it?)

Original or replica?

If you want to save some bucks, you can always go for the replica, but hey, it’s also kind of magical to sit on one barber chair and imagine that your great-grandfather might have been sitting on it

Click here to go to our Forum about Antique Barber Chairs and leave your message!

If you are looking to buy or sell a chair, chick here to visit the marketplace and post your ad

71 Comments to “Antique Barber Chairs”

jill prieboyMarch 28, 2011 at 10:18 pm

I have a antique barber chair I would like to sell. It is in very good shape. Any suggestions on how to sell it?
Thanks for your time!
Jill
NeeKz the Master BarberApril 4, 2011 at 7:12 am

What kind how much??
RonnieApril 17, 2011 at 5:19 pm

How much and where are u
Misty SpringerMay 9, 2011 at 7:55 pm

I have an antique barber chair. It’s white vinyl with chrome on armrest with “B” emblem. The base is diamond shaped, with a chrome footrest with Belvedere scribed across it. Chair is in great condition. Any suggestions on how to get more information about it and how to sell it.

Thanks so much!!!
KwameMay 14, 2011 at 5:29 pm

Hey if your looking for finished Antique barber chairs or just searching for parts to take on your own project please give me a call. I have tons of chairs from the top 4 makers, Koken, Kochs, Paider & Belmont.

Kwame
917-553-1619
custombarberchairs@gmail.com
chuckfor20May 16, 2011 at 4:47 pm

I just picked up and brought home a chair that my grandfather had for a very long time. the foot rest says “E. Berninghaus” and the upper foot rest says “climax”.It is mainly made of wood which was painted over very sloppily. Does anyone know if it it worth me trying to restore? most of the leather is good and it did pump up and down ( lost fluid while carrying ). Seems to be missing a mechanism possible that allows the chair to recline. Anyone? Thanks
KwameMay 22, 2011 at 7:57 am

If it’s worth it to you then it’s always worth the restoration, it will cost some cash, but i suggest you go for it.

The recline mechanism is the tension bar at the bottom of the chair,
Kay ElleMay 24, 2011 at 9:25 pm

Hello! I have an antique Belmont barber chair. The head rest still has the paper roll still in it, ash tray, as well as hole on each side to attach the childs booster, although i dont have that extra piece.Everything is in working order, just wondering if i should put it up for sale on kijiji, craigs list, or ebay, and for how much..
Kay ElleMay 24, 2011 at 9:25 pm

( I’m from Ontario, Canada )
randall feeMay 25, 2011 at 10:13 pm

I just purchased a great koken child barber chair.I’am trying to find the gentleman who makes reproduction wood horse heads that go on the front of the chair….can anyone help me……thanks so much…..Randall
KwameMay 31, 2011 at 4:46 am

Hey Randall I have a friend that can make the head for ya give me a call
jose almaralJune 28, 2011 at 6:20 pm

my name is jose i have 1 barber chair koken and 1 paidar built in 1940,s 1950,s for sale both whith head holder asking price $ 1600 each o $3000 for both please call 562 320 43 00
jose almaralJune 28, 2011 at 6:21 pm

both chairs are in perfect condition ” atention collectors”562 320 43 00
DAVE'S BARBERSHOPJune 30, 2011 at 1:11 am

I have two (2) Koken Barber Chairs, matching. They need minor repairs. The chairs are nineteen-thirty’s, I’m looking to sell,FIRM-6000 for both.
philipJuly 7, 2011 at 1:22 am

Hello, I have a 1920′s style Theo a Koch barber chair with all original parts. The chair was used privately and does not have too much wear on it. The leather in the seats will most likely need to be replaced but other than that the chair is in good shape for being almost 100 years old. If anyone is interested please email me. (I can send photos as well through email)
philipJuly 7, 2011 at 1:52 am

Sorry I forgot to add my email address in my previous post,

Pdorch12@gmail.com
gerrit van zylJuly 9, 2011 at 2:47 pm

Please send asking price for original
barbers chair in good to excellent conditions
working with all parts attached

Thank you

Gerrit
laurel willisJuly 19, 2011 at 8:35 pm

Any information on Rayette chairs? Thanks!
Wes MayeurJuly 20, 2011 at 1:27 pm

I NEED HELP!! I have just purchased a ’55 Koken chair. Coming with the deal was a stool that attaches to a 24″ cast iron ring for a barbers chair to sit on. It seem to be for the barber to sit on as he shaves or cuts a patrons hair. After some research, I came across the name Emil J. Paidar, which happens to be the name that is cast into the ring. Has anyone seen or heard of a stool like this. I plan on selling it as I dont have room for both. Please email with any info. I Can email pics to anyone that would like to see it. Also I would entertain any offers. pballer2112@yahoo.com
Wes MayeurJuly 31, 2011 at 2:30 am

I am selling my vintage Emil J. Paidar Barbers chair STOOL on ebay. These stools are extremely rare.
Angelo VazquezAugust 1, 2011 at 5:13 pm

I have a Emil J. Paidar from 1961 and I’m look for the foot step in the front please email me.
Angelo VazquezAugust 1, 2011 at 5:17 pm

I have a Emil J. Paidar from 1961 and I’m look for the foot step in the front please email me. Siennasierra07@gmail.com
KwameAugust 3, 2011 at 7:23 pm

Hey angelo I have the emil paider footrest that ur looking for.
LynnAugust 13, 2011 at 12:41 pm

I just bought all the contents of an old country store, and down in the basement is a child’s barber chair. It is chrome with red vinyl seat and back. I am having an estate sell there next week and have no clue how much it is worth. I can not find another one like it on any of the web pages I have been searching. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
jessica rossAugust 15, 2011 at 1:53 am

I Have Two 1910-1918 pat. Koken Barber Chairs. They Are IN OUTSTANDING CONDITON! I still use them today in my shop!
Im asking 4500 For Both or best offer!
contact me at 706-400-8974
i have pictures, as well as the pat. (pat not for sale)
email at
ross.jessica@aol.com
Jim BoekeAugust 16, 2011 at 11:57 pm

I have just acquired a Koch barber chair. I would like to talk with someone that does restoration on these. I am located in northeast Iowa so someone in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois or Minnesota would be considered. Please let me hear from you. You can reach me at 563-880-4588 or
e-mail theboss@alpinecom.net
Thanks
KwameAugust 17, 2011 at 5:02 am

Hello if your looking for finished Antique barber chairs or just searching for parts to take on your own project please give me a call. I have tons of chairs from the top 4 makers, Koken, Kochs, Paider & Belmont.

Kwame
917-553-1619
custombarberchairs@gmail.com
Rick BarrettAugust 20, 2011 at 11:44 pm

I have a question about Koken being the first barber chair. I picked up a geo. w. Archer barber chair today from a friend to restore and the patened date is may 21 1878. are you sure about koken developing the chair in 1905? the research ive found is archer developing the first known barber chairs. im only asking because if what i have is a fake i dont want to waste to much time or money restoring it
Mike DillonAugust 21, 2011 at 9:56 pm

I have Koch barber chair that’s in pretty good conditon. The headrest relects a date of 1915. However, I need to know where the date and serial number is located on the chair itself. Can anyone help me out??
georgina padillaAugust 24, 2011 at 5:47 am

hola. tengo una silla koken, de 1910 y tiene otra placa que dice que fue vendida a mexico por la tienda la perfumeria y mi silla es muy diferente a todas las que he visto porla forma de su base la mia no es redonda, tiene 4 patas en forma de diamante,està en perfectas condiciones,alguien que me diga en cuanto la puede vender? gracias gellitopa@hotmail.com
Louis LiottaAugust 31, 2011 at 2:31 am

I have a barber chair which is all cast iron and wood. The back has the original tooled leather on front and back. There is a stamp on the base that says ! Patente no. 8504 M. Bartholo Porto. I believe it dates back to 1859 or so! Any help with this. It is in excellent condition!
Frank M. HendricksSeptember 4, 2011 at 1:51 pm

I have just acquired a 1960s Belmont barber’s chair. It is in beautiful condition but it got tipped in moving and is leaking hydraulic fluid around the base. My question how do I replenish the fluid and how do I stop the leakage. Also looking for missing headrest.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Sonya CloydSeptember 4, 2011 at 7:49 pm

Just purchased a Hanson barber chair from early 1900′s. It appears something is broken under the chair, I think there may be a piece missing as well. If someone has one I would appreciate a photo of the underside of the chair so I can compare it to mine. Also..I need the hydraulics worked on…does the swivel function operate by hydraulics as well can’t get it to swivel.
KwameSeptember 7, 2011 at 4:42 pm

Hey if your looking for Antique barber chairs or just searching for parts to take on your own project please give me a call. I have tons of chairs from the top 4 makers, Koken, Kochs, Paider & Belmont.
We replate, upholster, tuneup, ect…..
Kwame
917-553-1619
custombarberchairs@gmail.com
AldoSeptember 10, 2011 at 4:42 am

Just bought two matching 69 koken barber chairs, can any one get me a ball park figure of what they can be worth. Very good condition vinyl and stainless. 100% working condition.
HOPPYSeptember 19, 2011 at 10:58 pm

FOR SALE!@ I have a Belmont barber chair, circa 1935. The brake, swivel, and hydraulics are in perfect working order. The headrest with the paper roll attachment is original. I purchased it from my barber of 40+ years. It was recently re-upholstered. It is an 8-9 on a scale of 10. i live in British Columbia, Canada (Vancouver area) 604-824-6094
AdamSeptember 28, 2011 at 7:01 pm

I recently purchased a new home and the previous owner left a koken premier barber chair and a rilling conditionaire ladies hair dryer in the basement. I don`t think the hair dryer is worth much and cannot seem to find any inormation regarding it. The barber chair however is in almost new condition. Everything works great, the only thing missing is the headrest. I looked under the seat and cannot tell if it is a 1983 or 1963 due to the ink in the stamp fading. What would this be worth? I have found similar ones online ranging from 500 – 6000 dollars. It is black and beige with crome, ashtrays in the armrest, foot rest, reclines and hydraulics work great. ………. HELP
AdamSeptember 28, 2011 at 9:52 pm

I posted earlier about the Koken Premier Chair left in my basement. Anybody with helpful info please email sixtyshooter@live.com
chad oliverSeptember 29, 2011 at 7:27 pm

does anybody know a good repair specialist in the NYC area?
Charles ThomasOctober 5, 2011 at 12:15 am

Have a chair that was built by Emil J Paidar Company of Chicago. It is in excellent shape and the Hydraulics work fine. Will sell for $1,500.00 if interested let me know I will send pictures. Leaving for South America and do not care to move it again.
jim foremanOctober 9, 2011 at 2:54 pm

i have 2 matching kokens. i think they are mid 30′s. they have round seats and inside the footrest, is stamped 34N. is this an indication they were build in november of ’34?

nothing on the bottom of the seat except “chiselled” marks “XX1″. what does that mean?

why is there a leather patch nailed in the center of the seat bottom? nothing seems to be written on or under it.
Karen yorkOctober 16, 2011 at 12:34 am

I have a barber chair made by Belvedere # 51232, could someone tell me what yr it was made and how much it is worth?
Keith LucasOctober 16, 2011 at 9:00 pm

I have a wooden barber chair made by F.J. Coates that I would like to sell.
The patent date is Aug. 20th,1867.
It is a beautiful chair with swans carved into the arm rests.

Contact me at arborstreet2006@hotmail.com if this sparks your curiosity.
BobOctober 25, 2011 at 9:04 pm

I have a Belmont with a serial number A69155 and a production date of 60919. How do I find out how old it is? My father in law gave it to me. The recline works great but the arm to pump the hydralics won’t move. I’ve tried to free it up with WD-40 but no luck. Any ideas?
jessNovember 10, 2011 at 11:51 am

Hi. I have an antique barbers chairs, wrought iron, foot stool embossed with GEO.W Archer patened 1878. Although its in pretty good condition, do you think its worth spending the $ to restore? Any restoration tips to retain value?
bobby jNovember 12, 2011 at 8:55 pm

i have two chairs one is a koken, and the other is a
e. berninghaus, they are both in poorer shape but not real real bad and everything is there on both chairs head rest and feet rest pumps work and one came with a booster seat, i was wondering the value on the two i think they are both from the 30′s or 40′s, and about how much would it be to restore or sell as is
ALEXNovember 21, 2011 at 4:02 am

HI WE BUY ANTIQUES BARBER CHAIRS
CALL FOR ANY QUESTION (516)784 1695 OR TEXT THE PICTURES PLEASE. THANK U
kim haleDecember 2, 2011 at 7:06 pm

hve an old baber chair my father was an baber for years we sill hav his chair! good condition
Big Johns Classic RestorationsDecember 6, 2011 at 10:29 pm

Hello,

I acquired a Loius Hanson Barber chair a loooong time ago. I don’t know anything about them other than they are cool to own. I figure it’s about time to restore it. First of all, how do I date the chair? Where is the manufacturs plate located on the chair? This chair is in bad shape. I would like to restore it back to what it originally looked like from the factory. I.E restore the porceline(Enamel)?, hydraulics, castiron maybe nickel finish? Any place to obtain parts, historical data on this model? Pictures would be appreciated thank you in advance.

JC
SidDecember 7, 2011 at 9:50 pm

bobby j
Please send me pics @ mrsidz@gmail.com also let me know where you are located.
Thank you!