It was in 1875 that the Eugene Berninghaus Company opened its doors to the general public in Cincinnati, Ohio. According to antique collectors, it was the first manufacturer of barber chairs in the United States. Like the Koken, Kochs and Paidar companies, the business was named after its founder, Eugene Berninghaus. Eugene was born in Germany in 1845 to Richard Berninghaus and Thusnelda Schnick. The family moved to New York in 1849. In 1856, they eventually settled in Ohio where they started selling perfumes as an enterprise. A couple of decades later, the now grown-up and married Eugene formed his own business. He passed away just days after his 79th birthday on July 17th, 1924. However, the business lived on until 1938.
Eugene Berninghaus designed the first barber chair that reclines and revolves at the same time. The company called this product, Paragon. Paragon was a response to its rival, the Archer Company, in which the design made it possible for the chair to raise and lower mechanically. These early models provided the blueprint for the barber chair designs that would follow a few years later. One such manufacturer was the Theo A. Kochs company, which combined the prior designs into its chairs and sold well.
The company became famous for its “Hercules” line of Berninghaus barber chairs. Hercules was made with the finest kinds of wood, including Oak, Mahogany and Walnut. It also has some cast iron portions. The upholstery was either leather or mohair plush. In 1960, one of its chairs was featured in the movie, Time Machine by H.G. Wells. It turned out to be an 1899 version of the Hercules that was modified for the set. In 1970, M.G.M., the firm that owns the movie auctioned off the chair along with many other props from different movies.
Berninghaus barber chairs are sought after by antique collectors today because of their age. Being the first in the industry and ceasing in the 1930’s, there are probably very few that survived the test of time. There are a few later models in good shape though. Fausto Ferrari’s shop has been operating in Cincinnati since 1957. Pay a visit and sit on one when you get a chance.
Hello,
I have an early 1900’s Berninghaus Barber Chair that I would like to sell and know the possible value. It has been reupholstered in black leather. It does not have the headrest. The chair piece has to be reset on the base so that the hand pump hydraulics works
I have two (2) Berninghaus chairs in mint condition that are on display at my salon – I don’t allow anybody to use them! I am selling the red velvet on if anybody wants details. She is called “Scarlette” because of the velvet and also Gone With The Wind
Red chair is 1876 and my blue leather one is 1877 – he is called Rett Butler.
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Hi everyone, we have a E. Berninghaus “Climax” chair. Can’t find anything on it, we had it restored (Soft restore) it looks great 5 years ago. Looking to sell it we are downsizing. Looking for 3000.00
Need a footrest and head rest for a E. Berninghaus hercules round bottom search chair please all 8643964005 Matt McAlister
Matt Mcalister I posted wrong phone number… number is 8643864005.. I have a round seat bottom e berninghaus Hercules.. looking for foot and headrest… please contact with info
I recently purchased a Berninghaus Hergules barber chair. Although I found the serial number on the chair (18804), I can’t seem to locate the year it was manufactured. I am intrested in reselling it. It’s not in the best of shape but could be easily reconditioned with the right interested party. My email is [email protected].
I just purchased an E. Berninghaus Company Hercules Barber Chair. Where can I find information as to when the model I purchased was built? Also, is there companies that sell parts for them?
Thanks for the help.
Roy
Roy, Have you found any companies that sell parts for our barber chairs ??? I need some leads on companies that can help me replace some missing parts…
I have a berninghaus climax in excellant condition sn# 2509 Does anyone know what it worth and what year it may be ?
My father passed away 21 years ago this January. He was a barber for over 50 years. He purchased an antique E. Berninghaus Barber Chair. We are interested in selling it. We did not go into that profession. It still has it’s original leather, head rest, original wooden claw feet, and foot rest. It is dusty but with a little love; it will be wonderful. Please email me if you are interested only.
I have an antique Berninghaus barber chair, it’s nickel and porcelain. I’m looking to sell it, all original still works. Head rest and foot rest intact. Looking for a value on this chair, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Jodie
Hi Jodie. Did you sell it? For how much? My husband has one that we are looking to sale as well. Thank you, Diana
I am looking to sell a red scarlet berninghaus barber chair. Ornate wood with claw feet.You can email me.