Thread Number: 20985
Electrolux Product History
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Post# 234858   6/2/2013 at 10:58 (3,952 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Does anyone have a complete and accurate list of Electrolux products (vacuum cleaners, shampooers/polishers, turbo polishers, sidekicks, et cetera)?

The photo brochure on the Aerus website isn't complete and doesn't seem accurate when compared with Charles' survey. And since Charles isn't as interested in machines past the 1205J I can't be sure that other "copycat" photo brochures' information is accurate.

Regarding the vacuum cleaners I am wondering about "special" (what appear to me to be Electrolux's term for "economical") machines such as the Olympia One Special. In what years was it manufactured? Also, what is its model # (along with other vacuum cleaners with names)?

Regarding floor polishers/shampooers, the Aerus brochure doesn't include an aqua B8. It shows that there was a gray one from 1962-67. Yet, I thought I saw a photo of an aqua B8 with starbursts on the shampoo tank.

Anyway, if anyone has more complete and accurate information I would appreciate it.

BTW, I wonder if Vacuumland has ever considered a tab devoted to complete and accurate lists of each brand of machine that we could use as a quick reference. I would like to suggest that it be created. Then accuracy and completeness could be a shared responsibility, and the bugs could be worked out.


Post# 234888 , Reply# 1   6/2/2013 at 14:00 (3,952 days old) by kenkart ()        
One of the VCCC newsletters

From 1995 I believe is devoted to Electrolux and its history, Charles Lester did the newsletters then and Alex Tabor was President so the history is thoroughly covered.

Post# 234907 , Reply# 2   6/2/2013 at 16:51 (3,952 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

The aqua B8 was made from 1960-66

Tan B8 from 1967-68

Turquoise B8 1969-74

Gold B8 1975-78

Brown B8 1979-81

The grey B8 shampooer/polisher is from the Silverado-era (1981-84) the last B8 before the current style 105 Series was introduced.

SideKick PN was introduced in 1987, when the Marquis came out; also at the same time the Rug Washer had been discontinued.

In 1993, Electrolux no longer made metal tank vacuums; the Epic 6500 & Renaissance came, but are plastic/lexan instead of metal.


Post# 234924 , Reply# 3   6/2/2013 at 18:35 (3,952 days old) by Paul (USA)        
Hans and Erik,

Thanks for your responses. Sounds like I will need to contact Alex Taber and Charles Richard.

Erik--Thanks for confirming my suspicion regarding the aqua B8; along with posting a chronological sketch of the B8 colors. Can't understand why Aerus doesn't have more accurate information!


Post# 234927 , Reply# 4   6/2/2013 at 19:05 (3,952 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Below is a preliminary list I have composed up until the Hi-Tech 2100. I am confused about which machines were manufactured during which years--or were all the ones listed together made from 1984-2002?

Also, I wonder if anyone can substantiate certain years of production--besides just relying on Aerus' information. For example, were new machines typically introduced in January, or was there sometimes an overlap in years. Some common machines that have different start years mentioned: Model R--1959, 1960;
Olympia One--1978, 1979... It would be helpful to have more specific information sometimes (i. e. December 1959--which may be the case with the Model R).

METAL BODIES (*economy model)

1924-27: Model V (Brown)
1927-30: Model XI (Black)
1930-37: Model XII (Brown)
1937-54: Model XXX (Gray, Blue)
1952-55: Model LX (Blue)
1955-56: Model LXI (Blue)
1954-57: Model E (Seafoam Green)
1956-57: Model E Automatic (Seafoam Green)
1956-57: *Model T (Blue)
1957-59: *Model S (Gray Blue)
1957-59: Model F Automatic (Gray)
1960-63: *Model R (Gray)
1963-79: *Model L (cream 63-65; taupe-66-67; turquoise 68-73; gold 74-79)
1960-65: Model G Automatic (aqua) 1966-67: Model Automatic G (bronze)
(Hospital Model Automatic Gs were produced concurrently with the domestics. They were cream with the following trim colors: 1960-65 (turquoise); 1966-67 (taupe)
1968-73: Model 1205 (turquoise)
1974-75: Model 1205J/Golden J (gold)
1976-78: Model 1401/Super J (gold)
1979-1981: Model 1401B/Olympia One
1979-1987: *Model 1453/Special Edition (brown 79-81; silver 82-84; sand gray 85-87)
1982-84: Model 1505/Silverado (silver)
1985-1987: Model 1521/Diamond Jubilee (sand gray)
1988-94: *Model 1521/Marquise (taupe 88-89); Grand Marquise (blue 89-90); Legacy (blue 91-92);
Ultra Lux (blue 93-94); 1993-94: Ultra Lux LX (white); Ultra Lux Classic (blue);
1994-95: Ultra Lux (black)

PLASTIC BODIES
1984-06: Hi-Tech 2100
(From Aerus Brochure) Hi-Tech 2100 1984–2002 [Diplomat/Diplomat LX/Lux 5000 EW (Blue)]



Post# 234955 , Reply# 5   6/3/2013 at 00:13 (3,952 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi Kenkart.

caligula's profile picture
Thank you for the kind words, but I need to make one correction. I was not the president of the V.C.C.C., untill 1995 ther were no officers in the club. It was only after I decided to retire into private life that we had a president to manage the club, and that honor goes to Tom Gasko. He understood how I ran the club over the years and did great things with it.


The newsletter you speak of was winter 1994/95. It was a joint effort of Charles Richard Lester and myself. I'm deeply proud of that newsletter, but it was not our first. The very first Electrolux newsletter was published on June 30, 1984.

Here's a look at our first logo.

Alex Taber.



Post# 235100 , Reply# 6   6/3/2013 at 23:36 (3,951 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        
Two different variations of the Olympia 1401B

1978-79 version had the Super J style handle on top of unit

1980-81 version had the Silverado style handle & thicker side bumpers

1980 version also had the 1980 Winter Olympic Games sticker on the rear behind blower port


Post# 235127 , Reply# 7   6/4/2013 at 11:04 (3,950 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
more on B-8

The aqua model started as T shape handle B-7 polisher and later became B-8 shampoo/polisher.
Early brown B-8 had removable plug and cord later changed to permanent on later brown and gray.


Post# 235170 , Reply# 8   6/4/2013 at 15:07 (3,950 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        
@Paul

dysonman1's profile picture
Did you forget about the Model 20 (XX)? Made in 1940-1941 only. An economy model, selling for $49.90, it had the same flat filter as the model XXX, only it was in FRONT of the motor rather than behind. It was a unique and excellent machine. VERY Art Deco looking.

Post# 235178 , Reply# 9   6/4/2013 at 16:37 (3,950 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Thanks Tom.

caligula's profile picture
Nice model XX!

The story I heard from Charles Vale, manager for the Hamden, Connecticut branch office, back in 1968, was that the XX had been slated to replace the model XXX. In September 1941, production for the XX was underway to introduce it for Christmas. Then on December 7, came the attack on Pearl Harbor and all manufacture of Electrolux vacuum cleaners was stopped. Now they went into war production, making genorators and what Electrolux called "motors that fight!" The stockpile of XX's were used during the war, then on September 11, 1944 the war production board allowed Electrolux to go back to limited production. The XXX was put back in production, and by November 18, (1944) Electrolux was fully functional as a vacuum cleaner company. This is why there is the pre war XXX, and the post war XXX. In my book 'Electrolux-The First 40 Years 1924-1964' there is a lot more info on the war years and how Electrolux earned the coveted Army/Navy E flag, as well as the praise of the nation.

I have a model XX and love it, but it's not in as good condition as the one here. Thanks for posting it. By the way, I still have that great box for the model LX that you gave me in Naperville.

Alex Taber.



Post# 235189 , Reply# 10   6/4/2013 at 18:43 (3,950 days old) by Paul (USA)        
Tom and Alex,

Thanks for the info. and pics--wow, the Model XX was a classic! I'm glad you reminded me to put the Model XX in, Tom, because some resources do not include it.


Now for the discrepancy in year(s) of production.

According to Tom--1940-41

According to Alex--1940

According to Aerus--1941-42

I have run into this sort of thing frequently. Is there a way to know for sure, or is it sometimes just by what others have said (such as Charles Vale)?


Post# 235217 , Reply# 11   6/4/2013 at 20:28 (3,950 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi Paul.

caligula's profile picture
Actually the date I gave for the debut of the model was Christmas 1941. I think the reason it wasn't mentioned in any of the Electrolux publications is the connection with Pearl Harbor. Like 9/11 today, that was a painful subject, and the top brass of Electrolux would not want to go there. Keep in mind too, that the model XX's that had already been produced, served as back-up vacuum cleaners that could be sold during the war years. Once that stockpile was exhausted, production of the post war XXX was well underway.

Another model that was never mentioned was the T. This stood for the thrift model, or what we here at the V.C.C.C. would consider a frankenlux! The model T was a hodpodge of parts that the factory wanted to get rid of. Here I'll depend on Charles Richard Lester and Tom Gasko to correct me if need be, but generally this was the design of the T. A long, sleek body perhaps from the model XII, wheels from E, the handle was definately from the LX, and the cloth dustbag was from the XXX. The model T was hammertone blue and had the cord, hose, wands and attachments of the E. The cost was rock bottom low, but as I recall, it was one powerful machine! Basically the T was a joke, one that Electrolux would just assune forget.

And so Paul, there you have it, an off the cuff answer to why certain models were never listed.

Alex Taber.


Post# 235223 , Reply# 12   6/4/2013 at 21:48 (3,950 days old) by Paul (USA)        
Erik and Jimmy,

Thanks for your information about the Model 1401B/Olympia One and the B8.

Erik--Do you know of any similar changes in the Silverado? I have one, but it doesn't have a "Silverado" sticker on it like I have seen, and the top looks more like a Silverado Special Model.

Jimmy--Was the aqua B8 the only one with the starbursts on the shampoo tank? Also, I heard that there was a B9 shampooer/polisher. What do you know about it? Was it the last of the B series?


Post# 235224 , Reply# 13   6/4/2013 at 21:58 (3,950 days old) by Paul (USA)        
Alex,

Thanks for the clarification on the Model XX. Sorry about the mix-up. It seems, then, that Aerus has the accurate years: Christmas 1941-1942. I can understand Electrolux's position as you mentioned.

As for the Model T even though it turned out to be a flop I give the company credit for trying to use the over-supplies of materials instead of just tossing them. I don't know if metal was being recycled at that time--but in any event that was a creative and prudent use of resources.

Interestingly, both models appear on the most recent product history brochure!


Post# 235229 , Reply# 14   6/4/2013 at 22:31 (3,950 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi Paul.

caligula's profile picture
Because Electrolux was a high priced vacuum cleaner, I think the model T was a good idea. People who couldn't afford an E automatic could easily afford the T, and get the same Electrolux quality. Also, the factory got rid of outdated parts. It was a win/win for everybody.

I had a model T which is shown here, located above the 1205, and found it to be a fantastic machine. A great, no frills Electrolux.

Alex Taber.


Post# 235232 , Reply# 15   6/4/2013 at 23:01 (3,950 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi Paul, I found it!

caligula's profile picture
I told you of the Electrolux polisher I saw as a kid, and while this is not Electrolux, this Vactric is an exact likeness. I have no idea of the year of this ad, but it was in a box of V.C.C.C. archives.

Post# 235236 , Reply# 16   6/4/2013 at 23:48 (3,950 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi Paul.

caligula's profile picture
In 1968 the 1205 had just came out and when I saw it in the window of the Electrolux branch office in Hamden, Connecticut, I knew I had to work with it. The manager was Charles Vale, and he understood a budding vacuum cleaner collector when he saw one. I was only 17, my mom needed to give approval in writing before Charles would hire me. As far as I know, I was the youngest employee at the time. Not only did Charles train me to demo the 1205, but told me the history of Electrolux. With his approval I spent hours in the basement with the trade-ins, I was also given several instruction books of all brands to take home.

The Electrolux factory was located in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, about 50 miles from my home town of Wallingford. Charles mad a few phone calls and let me see the museum at the factory. The following weekend my mom and I went there, it was awsome, prototypes galore!

Unfortunately, school and other things took up a lot of my time and I was too young to be a full-time employee for Electrolux, but it was a great summer job. And what I learned from Charles Vale in 1968, I put into practice with Kirby in Dubuque, Iowa in 1975.

Charles Vale was no longer with Electrolux when I started the V.C.C.C., he never knew the doors he opened for me, but I've never forgotten him.

Alex Taber.


Post# 235241 , Reply# 17   6/5/2013 at 01:39 (3,950 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

The Special Models 1452 & 1453 was the economy model during the Olympia, Silverado & Diamond Jubilee era; they had the same color, hose, PN & tools as the deluxe models Olympia 1401B, Silverado 1505 & Diamond Jubilee 1521. The Special models had detachable power cord or automatic cordwinder & lacked Automatic Control (mechanism that shuts off vac when bag is full)

Later during the Diamond Jubilee era, the Special model was replaced by the 2100, which was the first plastic tank units. The 2100 uses a different machine end hose coupling, which was plastic & has a V-notch cut-out.




This post was last edited 06/05/2013 at 06:13
Post# 235252 , Reply# 18   6/5/2013 at 07:15 (3,950 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
The Electrolux model XX was reviewed in the 1940 Consumer's Digest along with the Model B Rexair. It was actually sold for two years. Production of vacuums did cease in December, 1941 - Electrolux was sold out of cleaners by February of 1942. People wanting to buy them were put on the "preferred customer" plan after paying a down payment. As soon as production started up again (whenever that would be - no one knew how long the war would take), you would be 'first in line' to get a new Electrolux.

The Model XX was not a replacement for the model XXX, it was in addition to it. Hoover had three models - they had an 'economy' model ever since the launch of the 543. Electrolux was doing the same thing. The XX was the economy model, coming with only three attachments. It is made much cheaper than the XXX, so the $20 difference in price was significant.


Post# 235255 , Reply# 19   6/5/2013 at 07:33 (3,950 days old) by kenkart ()        
RE vacuum prices..

Isnt it odd that several store brand vacuums were actually higher priced than some of the door to door machines, for example, An Automatic E was 89.95 in 56, an Apex Strato 5502 was 120.00 and in 57 it went up to 150.00 with the model 5555, The 1952 GE 815 was 99.50,and the 1955 Westinghouse canister, was 100.00, the 1952 Jet 99 was 99.95 and the first Constellation"the grey model 82" was 97.50, but, as the years went on, most of these went down in price as the door to door machines went up.Only the Apex price stayed high...and by 1963 they were gone.

Post# 235265 , Reply# 20   6/5/2013 at 09:39 (3,950 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Electrolux

The Vactric above is similar to the Elux B-3 and B-6 that were replaced in the late 50s with new polisher to match the AF.(the polishers had 2 speed foot switch at rear of motor hood.)
The XX had a smooth handle as I recall.It was shown on a 1974 wall hung plate with the new Golden J and previous models and very little mention otherwise.
Electrolux was said to have lost money on the Model T.Good vac but many salesmen would be afraid to ask the price of the deluxe Automatic and settle for the quick,cheap sale.Of the very few Ts I have seen some had original switch fail and hole drilled for replacement.(There was a trend of low price vacs at this time including the little known AirWay 85,GE Swivel Top without wheels,basic Sears-etc and more.)
The first B-8 shampooer (1965?) was only one with starburst.I think the transition from polisher to shampooer was-Tshape handle polisher,then 'lawn mower'style handle polisher with solid metal bottom plate and drip hose for wax to the side,then shampoo tank held on 2 'bumps' between new style handle and metal bottom with center hole for sud shield lock and hole through base for larger shampoo tube.There was a way to update a later polisher to a shampoo/polisher by drilling a hole for shampoo tube using template provided to service depts and changing metal bottom.At one time there was a Kit A and Kit B with various shampoo parts.
The B-9 is more often call the Floor Pro and always had the unit on handle with cordwinder in rear and sham tank in front.Ealy units were troublesome and I still prefer the B-8!


Post# 235271 , Reply# 21   6/5/2013 at 10:05 (3,950 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi Tom.

caligula's profile picture
I'm certainly no expert on the 'war years' of Electrolux, Hoover, Kirby or any other brand, I only tell what was told to me, or read in various publications. The bulk of my information on 'Electrolux at war' comes from the book 'Electrolux Corporation-the first forty years, starting with the last paragraph on page 24, and ending on page 32. As far as the XX is concerned, it's not mentioned, but the XXX is, frequently! On the following few posts I'll print my source of info. Remember too that I'm talking about production at the Electrolux plant, not sale to the general public.

It's also quite possible that production of the XX began in 1940, but the date set by Gustaf. E. Lofgren, (the head of engineering) was Christmas 1941. One of the pre production XX's migh have been given to Consumer Reports and others prior to that date so it could be tested and evaluated.

The XX has always been a bone of contention because none of us know the exact date it was introduced. But here's what Electrolux top brass has to say about the war years.

Alex Taber.


Post# 235273 , Reply# 22   6/5/2013 at 10:31 (3,949 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Electrolux at war.

caligula's profile picture
Because some pages have test on a color background I have to use my back-up copy and offer text only, then follow with the graphics. This is chapter 3- The War Years.

Post# 235274 , Reply# 23   6/5/2013 at 10:35 (3,949 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Electrolux at war.

caligula's profile picture
Page 26.

Post# 235278 , Reply# 24   6/5/2013 at 10:46 (3,949 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Electrolux at war.

caligula's profile picture
Page 27.

Post# 235282 , Reply# 25   6/5/2013 at 11:09 (3,949 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Electrolux at war.

caligula's profile picture
Page 28.

Post# 235283 , Reply# 26   6/5/2013 at 11:12 (3,949 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Electrolux at war.

caligula's profile picture
Page 29.

Post# 235293 , Reply# 27   6/5/2013 at 11:52 (3,949 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Elextrolux at war.

caligula's profile picture
Page 30 is the start of chapter 4, and the caption is 'The Booming Decade (1945-1954.) Unfortunately the text is on a color field and dosen't print well, so I'm going to type in the text and show only the graphic.

"September 11, 1944, was another significant date in Electrolux history. It was on that daythea the War Production Board granted the company permission to resume, on a limited basis, the output of cleaners for civilian use, for the first time since March, 1942.

Therefore, even before the factory itself was given the green light to reconvert from war work, the companywas able to make a start on the big job of filling the great backlog of preferential post warsales contract orders. Finding that it still had a fairly substantial stock of parts on hand, Electrolux opened a temporary assembly (continued in next post.


Post# 235295 , Reply# 28   6/5/2013 at 11:57 (3,949 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Electrolux at war.

caligula's profile picture
Page 31.

Post# 235297 , Reply# 29   6/5/2013 at 12:02 (3,949 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
And finally,

caligula's profile picture
the last page of, 'Elextrolux at war.'

Post# 235299 , Reply# 30   6/5/2013 at 12:17 (3,949 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Electrolux XXX.

caligula's profile picture
Since the caption of picture showing the production staff holding the Model XXX's, reads. "All smiles as post-war consumer production is underway at the Old Greenwich plant." I can only assume that this confirms the fact that the model XX was history.

Again, let me state that I'm no expert on the war years at Electrolux, in fact I wasn't even born till September of 1950, but if I'm correct there were no Electrolux vacuum cleaners made from December 8, 1941, till September 11, 1944.

As always, I welcome information to the contrary.

Alex Taber.


Post# 235362 , Reply# 31   6/5/2013 at 18:06 (3,949 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
It takes a great amount of time and effort to design and develop (and patent) a new model. The huge 'start up' cost of the model XX (which used a unique motor) was certainly not recovered when the war started. I have no idea why they chose not to bring it out again after the war. Perhaps because there was little need for an 'economy model' - after all, the money that women had after the war (from their jobs working in factories) was more than enough to buy a $69 Electrolux. As we all know, the model XXX became the 'economy model' in 1952 with the launch of the LX.

Post# 235366 , Reply# 32   6/5/2013 at 18:18 (3,949 days old) by Paul (USA)        
Alex,

Thanks for posting the polisher ad and the excerpts from the Electrolux book--very interesting!

Post# 235367 , Reply# 33   6/5/2013 at 18:23 (3,949 days old) by Paul (USA)        
Jimmy,

Thanks for the additional information on the polisher/scrubbers. You have me curious about the models. So was there a B-1 through B-6--and were those just the floor polishers that went on the end of the hose of the blower port?

Post# 235368 , Reply# 34   6/5/2013 at 18:28 (3,949 days old) by Paul (USA)        
Erik (re: reply #17),

Thanks for the info. Didn't know about the Model 1452--I'm taking for granted that that was the Olympia SE.

Also, from your information, I think I have a Silverado SE. The fact that it had a cord winder through me off, but like I mentioned previously the handle is definitely a SE type. Interestingly, the bag chamber ID simply reads, "1505".


Post# 235376 , Reply# 35   6/5/2013 at 20:18 (3,949 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi Tom.

caligula's profile picture
Gustaf E. Lofgren was both the head of engineering, and Vice President of manufacturing at Electrolex, and while I don't know the exact year he was appointed, he was with the company when the factory opened in June of 1933, and was still holding that position in 1964 when the book 'Electrolux Corporation the first forty years' was published. His name also appears on 90% of the patents in my personal book of patents. He had immense pull with the U.S. Patent office, and produced dozens of prototypes for the ejection system. Those prototypes started in 1945, and didn't end till the model LXI was well into production. I fully agree that it's far from easy to patent anything, but his seems to have been a revolving door polocy with the patent office. Between 1944 to 1949 net prophets for Electrolux were in the millions. So obtaining patents were easy. What took the time was going from patent filed to issued, those took on average three years. Once a patent was filed it could go into production as patent pending.

In the case of the model XX, I have no clue, but the copy of the patent I've got reads "Gustaf E. Lofgren- vacuum cleaner. Patent #2,335,428, filed March 12, 1941, (issued) November 30, 1943.

My only interest in this at all is to provide Paul with the best information I can, but the model XX has me stumped.

Alex Taber.


Post# 235408 , Reply# 36   6/6/2013 at 09:07 (3,949 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)        

suckolux's profile picture
I love taking a look at all the history and stories members here have to share

Post# 235421 , Reply# 37   6/6/2013 at 10:25 (3,948 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
-Electrolux-

Alex,Great wartime history.I have never seen this but do have a similar one for Hoover.
Paul, I only know of the B-3 & B-6 that was a 3 brush polisher.Not sure if there was a 1,2,4 etc.This polisher was seen again in US in the 80s as a Viking from ABLux of Europe with added shampoo tank.The polisher attachment(for suction,not blower)was a common option from late 40s through 50s.
Special-The Special model mentioned by Eric would have exactly same hose & atts as the Automatics but no chrome or auto door and the cordwinder was optional.


Post# 235426 , Reply# 38   6/6/2013 at 10:42 (3,948 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        
@Jimmy M.

dysonman1's profile picture
The first Special (the one that matched the Olympia) even made the cord "halo" an option. If you didn't buy the cord winder, or the halo, you were to wrap a vinyl strap around the coiled cord and strap it to the handle. The halo became standard on the version that matched the Silverado.

Post# 235528 , Reply# 39   6/7/2013 at 10:48 (3,947 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Special

Yes,first ones did have a strap.Then with the halo on the'new,improved'Special winding the cord was more difficult than with the L as it was closer to the floor.The optional cordwinders on the Special never seemed as good as on the deluxe Automatic even thought the same basic design and parts.

Post# 235536 , Reply# 40   6/7/2013 at 12:23 (3,947 days old) by williamr1248 (USA)        
Electrolux product history

Tom Gasko you are correct. I am sitting looking at the original paperwork from Electrolux when my grandmother bought her model XX Electrolux.

Model: XX
date of sale: November 24,1941

papwerwork came to her from Electrolux Corporation dated Dec 1,1941

Seriel number: n34144x

price; $49.50 and total $51.98 with fed tax

The machine came with hose that was gray with ORANGE tracers. The floor tool was finished on the top like the paint on the machine. It DID NOT swivel. Also had the regular Electrolux round brush in gray with the regular metal sofa tool. The rug nozzle DID NOT swivel either and was metal with no furniture guard.
We have pictures of my grandfather and me holding the hose and one wand with the fuller brush attached when I was very small. As I remember it was very quiet.
My grandmother was very excited as she had a 1936 Kenmore Deluxe Upright and Kenmore Jr which she said she hated.
It is hard for us to understand what a sensation the Electrolux was when it first came out and was sold door to door. Everyone in my family were farmers and they all wanted or owned the Electrolux.
The same Electrolux man that sold her the machine continued with Electrolux for many many years. Of course now even the branch stores are closed and gone. Electrolux or Aerus is no longer the well known name in my area. My younger relatives would only know the name from the TV ads for washers and not even realize (or care) that they grew up with the Electrolux.


Post# 235577 , Reply# 41   6/7/2013 at 14:42 (3,947 days old) by Electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

electrolux137's profile picture

I would LOVE to see your photos of you and your grandmother with the Model XX!!

LOVE, I say, LOVVVVVVVVVE!!!



Post# 235579 , Reply# 42   6/7/2013 at 15:19 (3,947 days old) by williamr1248 (USA)        
Electrolux Product History

Charlie,
It was my grandfather and of all the crazy things, he would let me take it out in the yard! The wonderful things that happen when you are the first grandchild!!!
You may have forgotten but I sent you a copy of that bill of sale years ago when we were talking about the XX. You were asking me about the color of the tracers in the hose.
No one can seem to come up with the real purpose of the spring latch on the top front of the machine. I have been told it was to wind the cord,tighten the rubber handle or tighten the front cover. The attachments were certainly different from the XXX.


Post# 235596 , Reply# 43   6/7/2013 at 18:23 (3,947 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi williamr1248, thanks for clearing that up for me.

caligula's profile picture
According to the info in my Electrolux book, your grandmother got a machine just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. This means that the XX WAS out there for the general public. The info on the XX has always eluded me. As I've said many times, I'm no expert on this, and only post what I hear or read from other sources, if that information is wrong!

I welcome corrections on anything I post.

Alex Taber.



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