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
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.
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
Contact j&n antique barber chair RESTORATIONS located in the states in York sc 803-370-0447
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.
Hi Nick
Please send the full physical address of J & N antique barber chair restorations and there website details (if possible).
Thanks.
V
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
Recently purchased a 1920 Koken Barber Chair
What type oil, hydraulic fluid is used on this chair and were can it be purchased
Straight 30-weight, non-detergent compressor or hydraulic oil. You may have better luck at hardware, rather than auto stores.
I just purchased a Koken model 526a and wanted to know if this Particular type was a hydraulic style ?
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??
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!
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??
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
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
Hi
Need a footrest can you recommend anyone who might have parts?
Mike
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
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.
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
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?
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
Do you buy broken chairs with usable parts. I have three with many good parts.