Finding the best barber chairs, especially vintage ones, is not easy. First, you have to check the status. Second, you will need to verify the authenticity. These factors will make the difference between an investment and an expense. To narrow down the search, we will uncover and explore two of the most desirable vintage barber chairs for sale today.
In the world of collecting, collectors and fans look for brands that have a previous history. Those that are in short supply or have stopped production are more valued since supply has already stopped. On the other hand, who would want an old wooden chair infested with termites or a broken old toy? This is why even if the brand is reliable, the condition should also be considered. It just has to be in good condition and working. For example, an antique chair from the 19th century that can still function with all the bells and whistles is definitely worth a lot more than an equivalent chair from the attic that can barely stand on its own.
So what are the best you can find today?
Koken’s are the most popular on auction websites and other antique stores. Those from the 1800s to the early 1900s can cost anywhere from three hundred dollars to six thousand dollars. These chairs are rare, but the ones that do go on sale are as functional as any modern piece of furniture. That’s how tough they are. There are also authentic Koken barber chair spare parts on sale. They are useful for restoration projects.
The man who founded the Koken brand was Ernest Koken. He was a handyman when he was young and loved making models of things to add functionality to them. While working for a factory that made shaving cups, he saw a need for a chair that could be easily raised and lowered. Finally, the hydraulic lift barber chair was born.
Another best selling barber chair is Emil J. Paidar. These chairs can range from $150 to $4,000 online. Chicago-based Emil J. Paidar was the leading manufacturer of hairdressing supplies in the early 20th century. He struggled in the 1940s but was able to bounce back after World War II. However, in the following decade, the company was surprised by the introduction of the Belmont barber chair, a flagship model of Takara Belmont. The competition was intense while the trend was also changing. Emil J. Paidar eventually ceased operations when Takara purchased Koken Barber’s Supply. At that time, Takara Belmont took over most of the market.