Before the Kokens and Belmonts, Paidar barber chairs ruled the barber chair market in the United States. The Emil J. Paidar Company was based in Chicago and has been the leading manufacturer of barber chairs until the late fifties. The company has been making these chairs since the early 1900’s. As the market leader, Paidar’s designs were generally the baseline and were often imitated by competing manufacturers.
Things began to change in the late 50’s, when Belmont joined Japan-based Takara Chair Sales Co., Ltd. Takara Chair Sales was originally a division of Takara Chuzo Ltd. but eventually became independent in 1951. The original company, Takara Chuzo Ltd. was founded by Hidenobu Yoshikawa in 1921. By the 1930’s, Takara barber chairs have become an established brand in Japan. Twenty years later, the company established an overseas subsidiary in the United States aptly named as Takara Company N.Y. Inc. By 1959, they have expanded in Europe by establishing is affiliate, Belmont Chairs London Ltd. Belmont would eventually become the international brand name of Takara. Fast forward to 1969 and the Takara Belmont Co., Ltd. was born. This was the product of a merger between Takara Chukosho (formerly Takara Chuzo) and Takara Chair Sales, a manufacturing arm and a sales specialist put together.
It was also in 1969 that the struggling St. Louis-based Koken, Incorporated was acquired by Takara Belmont. The purchase included Koken’s patents, trademarks and the brand name itself. Because of this, Takara Belmont became the dominant manufacturer of barber chairs in the US. By 1970, it had already grabbed 70% of the market share, ultimately making Paidar a small competitor.
Emil J. Paidar vintage barber chairs are priced substantially in auction sites and antique shops. If you are looking for one, take a look around to have an idea of the going price. Make an effort to negotiate something that is about a quarter of a percent less than the rates you can find online. Don’t hesitate to ask the antique shop owner to give you a better price. Then again, Paidars are made with the finest materials, and each one is built with care. So you should expect a slightly higher initial price tag if the condition is pristine.
If you managed to buy one, you should know how to take care of the chair. Dusting should be carried out using a soft, lint-free cloth. The wooden parts should only be waxed with beeswax that has a good quality. Refrain from positioning the chair in bright light or in rooms with abrupt temperature or humidity changes. When moving an antique chair, always lift it. Dragging will result to unnecessary troubles that can affect the value.
Hi. I have a March 7th, 1940 Emil J Paidar chair #570, factory #77787 that has been in my family since the 60’s. It’s been in storage for years and now is in my garage. The condition is fairly good for it’s age but needs to be reconditioned. If you are interested in either purchasing this chair or helping me figure out what it’s worth I will email you pictures. The chair is located in New Braunfels, TX. Thanks, Matt ([email protected])
I have an Emil J. Paidar barber chair in my consignment shop and the paper on the bottom of the seat with all of the manufacturer info and model number has been removed. how can I tell what year it was made?
I have an Emil J Paidar – Chicago # 52926. Any clue on date? Also, what hydraulic oil, and how full do you fill it? Any other maintenance that needs attention? Thanks.
My Paidar chair has “504” stamped on the underside of the seat and “22408” stamped on the top of the reservoir. What does this mean? What year is it? How much is it worth?
Thanks!
i have a paidar #125728 what year is it thanks omer
i have a Emil j. paidar. i would like to know what year its from and it also has a label saying its from the us army
I have a Emil J. Paidar Barber Chair in fair but complete and working condition. Needs upholstery and some minor plating. Light green with green leather upholstery. Looking for a fair market value??? Can forward picture.
Chair No. 228
Factory No. 54329
Mfd October 17, 1930
I acquired a 1962 Padair barber chair that was partially assembled. I’ve assembled up to control arm for the recline and elevate, but I have what looks to be 2 crush washers; a solid washer/spacer; a plastic ring; and 2 snap rings. Does someone know the order of how these parts go on?
Thanks
I have a 1920 or 21 chair. If anyone is interested check graigslist, Minnesota. everything works, the leather is worn, but it is a very nice chair. Faded green in color.
i have a paidar barber chair non pedestal. 4 legs cant find any info or even pictures of any 4 leg chairs any info would be great
We just bought a 1959 Paidar chair- all original – great condition- everything works- we are located in Rapid City SD- I would let it go for $1800 if anyone is interested?
looking for ejp part #585R.
I have 2 emil paidar chairs, I would say all for parts or make 1 chair outta both. Would like to sell both all as 1 money so I don’t have to fool with piecing it out on ebay. I’m in northwest indiana.
My Barber has an Emil J. Paidar chair with the stamped number: 83168 under the seat. Where can a person find out about its relative antique value/age?
Hi there I’ve just been given a 1937 chair but it’s missing 2parts one on the right side that goes from the handle to the foot rest and need the flip padded foot rest with the bracket need to find parts or see if I can get reproduction any ideas or leads would be great
Did you find a foot rest? I might have what you are looking for.
I acquired a Emil j paidar barber chair…
It needs TLC and need to sell it it’s been sitting in my garage for months.
I have pictures but no idea the year or model or what could be worth….
Any help would be great or anyone interested. Located on Long Island, NY
on most all barber chairs you can look under the seat cushion and it will tell you the day and year that the chair was made.
I have a white & Black & Chrome Emil J.Paidar Barber Chair that has been refurbished with the Porcelain all done, the chrome, the black leather. How do I find out what it is worth. I’ve had it for many years. It’s in Prestine condition. I also have the Bullet hair dryer as well as 2 other antique hair dryers. I am looking to sell everything. They are very retro and cool
Great day to you Connie… do you still have the barber chair for sale. it sound like you have a very nice one on your hands. Would you have any photos of the chair.. ?
Where are you located, I am seeking to purchase a pass it barber chair.
Hi, we have my Grandpa’s old Emil J. Paidar barber chair. We believe it is from 1948. My Grandfather was a barber for over 70 years. He was the only owner of this chair. My father had the foot plate re-chromed. the chair is in great condition. We have an opportunity to sell the chair to a local barber shop. The prices online are all over the place. Any idea where to start? We would love the chair to be in my Grandpa’s home town where he barbered for so many years but we feel like we cant give it away. Any help would be appreciated.
Best day ever Lori.
My name is Stephon I have a few 11 1947-1959 Emil J Paidar Barber Chairs. A lot of barber chairs will go for a starting price of 500-600 and that is in fair condition, meaning the leather is in most all tacked not to torn and the chair works. It reclines back with ease as well as goes up and down with no trouble. If the chrome is in good condition with no rust you could get a 100 to 200 more. if the porcelain is in good condition with no chips or permanent markings then you could get 50-100 more. If the leather is in great condition you could get a hundred or or slightly more. so it truly depends on what you have… I would say 600 – 1200 is the truth for what they will go for. Most barbers will invest into there newly bought chair If is in great condition you could get even more. Good photos in great lighting will help along with a clean viewing lens on your camera or phone. Basic things that many of us tend to forget… You see on ebay what some folks have and what some folks want in pricing. However what they truly get is another p[rice that what they ask for. There are some folks that are so desperate to have an old chair right now they will pay a little more and they do not know much else. Sadly some people out there think that is is more money that is better than the chair that is lower in price… And there are other people that are selling a chair and the greed will come in to them and they have more money on there hands, so they will wait and wait to get a newbie to spend top dollar. If you have any photos or any other questions please send them to me at valentinesseattle(at) g mail. and I will give you an honest price. However there are many barbers that do not make much money and they will want a better deal for they will use the chair daily. And for you BARBERS out there email me and I will tell what to do to do some basic maintenance to make your new investment last longer much longer!
Are any for sale?
Location?
Emil.j.paidar #26102 wat year n wat iz it worth anybody no
I have a Paidar no clue as to when made not hydraulic, two levers on each side that move forward ro recline chair has removable headrest, the foot rest has a number stamped on it 652A the wooden body has 30211 stamped on it. Any help much appreciated.
I’m looking for some help. I just purchased whaat I thought was a barber chair, I’m now thinking it might be some sort of exam chair. It’s a Paidar, I’m guessing from the 30’s the number stamped by the fluid resivor is 65536 from what I can figure out from looking at other post I think that is the factory number,and based on the post of the one from the 40’s it seems lower than that. It has some characteristics that I can’t find on anything. The foot rest is a green tile instead of cast metal with holes like most have, it also has two individual leg rests that lock up and also extend to support your legs straight out. Finally it also has a an arm that swings on the bottom of the foot rest that looks like it would receive a square tube, that I would guess would hold a calf support, this swings to the right or left and is missing the a part and was swung around completely behind the foot rest.
Any info would be greatly appreciated, I’m looking for parts and info to try and piece together it’s age.
Pictures a available
I have an Emil Paidar barber chair. On the metal foot rest the patent number is 1675547. I have tried to research it but haven’t found any information or pictures like it. It’s in good condition, has wooden sides, and red velvet fabric on the seat. It’s not hydraulic but the head and foot rests tilt.
I would appreciate any information and its worth. Pictures available.
I have a Paidar green leather, 1934, porcelain, chrome with foot stool in very good condition.
If you want to see a picture email Dan at
[email protected]
NE Ohio
I have a Paidar bench seat which I guess was made for waiting areas. It is in great condition – no rips and the chrome is nice too. I can’t find another one anywhere to compare it to! It’s green and chrome and seats two like a settee.
I have a paidar chair,I think built late 50’s or early 60’s . It’s electric hydraulic with electric receptacles at back of arm rests. It quit working Friday, still have electric but chair won’t raise. I think the pump wore out. Looking for help,someone who may work on them or have a working one for sale.