This thread actually started on the AutomaticWasher site but I guess we may as well bring it over here. I got larger and clearer photos from the person who runs the site where I found the photos in the first place - forget the link offhand. She also sent me another amazing photo from the same collection - a Singer S1 or S2 -- not sure exactly which one it is.

She made the amusing comment, "The Singer people sure look a lot happier than the Hoover folks!"

Here are two Hoover pix at different crops -- the second one to give a clearer view of the machines -- and then one of the Singer.

And a closer view:

Anyone know whether this is the S1 or S2? I have seen them both, but not in a long time -- Stan Kann has, or had, both models and I only saw them a couple of times. The bag is the same maroon color btw as the later R1, R2 and R3.

Also note the hand vac dumped in a little pile toward the left side of the photo...

Charles:
That Singer is an S-1. Notice that it's a sleeve bearing motor, as seen at the hump on top of the motor housing. The ball bearing S-2 model's motor was slightly more 'squat' and did not have the 'hump' (which is where the oil was placed).

The Hoover, interestingly, is a 575. One would think that the 725 would have been on display, but it WAS considereably more money than the 575 (which is nothing more than a 700 with a painted motor). The Duster looks fabulous. Wouldn't you have liked to have been able to buy one brand new? I would. Wish the one Stan had would have worked properly. The fan was chipped, resulting in much vibration and very low suction. I tried three times to take the motor off the frame to repair it for Stan, but it wouldn't come apart. I believe the Duster used a different fan than the 700, as it has a unique part number in the 1933 Persol Parts Catalog.
Tom G.

Wow I just love the old photos of the vac displays...I do wish that I could go back in time and have a demonstration!

The Hoover upright in the picture is a 543 though...note the oil cap in the motor. The 543 used the old 541 motor (one of Hoovers first in house motors) and the 700 brush roll which put a lot of stress on this less powerful motor. The 575 used the larger (diameter) motor without the oil cup on the top. It was "sealed" and painted black. This is clearly the older motor with the newer style handle that was added at some point in the production of the popular priced 543 (1926-29)

I think that this 543 is just the older model set up for sale in 1929 after the 200 "duster" was in production. The 575 simply had not arrived yet. I do not yet have the introduction date for the 575 nor the ending production date for the 543.

At first the two models do look the same, but the main difference in these less expensive models is the motor. They both Beat as It Sweeps as It Cleans though!!!!

--Tom

and for identifying the model of the upright Hoover. I had thought the final word was that it was a 543...!

Good to see you here! You have much to contribute and I hope you'll post often.

The 575 would also have had the white stripe running from the bottom to the top of the bag, ending in a spiral, as seen below; the handle, handle bail and triangular badge are 575 parts, though - I guess it could be either be a late 543 or very early 575 - I've come across other examples of where Hoover have put older-style parts on the first few examples of the models that succeed them to use up left-over old-style componants. If Hoover had excess stock of 543 motors, it would make more sense to use them up than to just dump them or keep them for spares, surely?

The 575 AND the 543 used the black triangular badges. It is possible that the motors could have crossed over but I doubt it since the 575 was "all new" and the more powerful motor (from the 700) was advertised and promoted. Good point about the bag too! The design was different eventhough they both were bottom empty only. My 543 uses the same badge as my 575. Thank you Vintagehoover for posting the picture of the 575 instruction booklet cover.

a rare machine indeed, only 9000 were made!

Here is mine, the original bag as been replaced, but it absolutely purrs!
This was a gift from the Hoover Historical Center, and I am quite fond of it!

Tom:
You are absolutely correct. That is a 543. The triangle badge threw me off, as both my 543's have the rectangle badge. Stan has a 543 with the curved handle, but with an interesting cord connection into the side of the motor housing and with a switch in the handle like a 575.

T.G.

I think I may own that little vac....maybe that's my Singer duster...I must post photos..

The nozzel looks the same, and so does the slide off bristle brush attachment.

Tom...I would like to see a pic of Stan's 543 with its unique wiring setup...I did not notice it this summer...there was just too much to see!

I am posting a pic of my little Duster...I found it by accident while working at the Center. It was going to be discarded so I saved it. I wish that it had the original bag...but I am just glad to have it. Mine has the original switch and plug. It runs like new. These machines do not have the greatest of suction and were not the best design from Hoover. I think that the upright with the tools were just as effective overall. Although this little Duster is light enough and easy enough to use everyday.

--Tom

I also have some literature with my little Duster. I have a "Make this test" pamphlet with the little filters too for a demonstration. There are two pamphlets here showing the front and the back.

--Tom

Nice save :)


It would have been a real tragedy to have seen that dumped !!!!

Im guessing the bag is 40s-50s???

Seamus