Thread Number: 21917
Found this in the rafters
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Post# 245575   8/13/2013 at 21:12 (3,879 days old) by rafterfind ()        

Greetings:

I found this Energex vacuum in the rafters of my garage. I just cannot find any information on it, anywhere. I figured I'd post it here, and see if anyone knows anything about it. Thanks in advance!


Post# 245582 , Reply# 1   8/13/2013 at 22:05 (3,879 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi rafterfind.

caligula's profile picture
The Energex began as an upright vacuum cleaner that dates back to 1918, and was sold through the Sears and Roebuck catalog. In later years, tank and hand vacuums as introduced as well, and sold under the names Commander, Franklin, and Kenmore.

In the early 1990's John Lucia, co-founder of the Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Club did extensive research on the vacuum cleaners sold through the Sears and Roebuck catalog. Once his research was completed, he put together a two part report, mostly copies of the pages in the catalogs from 1909 - 1942, and another from 1943 to the early 1950's. He introduced that to us at the anual club meeting in 1993. I have the first part here on my desk, and the other part in my box of archives that I'll get tomorrow.

The one you have looks like an early Commander, but under the Energex lable. I'll know more when I locate the second part of the report, and can back it up with the actual ad. My off the cuff guess is that it's late 1920's. If there are any patent numbers with dates, then look for the last year, and it will give you a time frame. But no doubt about it, it's old.

Do you have the hose, wands and attachments to go with it? if so, then display them with the machine.

More info when I read John's report.

Alex Taber.


Post# 245592 , Reply# 2   8/13/2013 at 23:11 (3,879 days old) by rafterfind ()        
I found this in the rafters

Alex:

Thank you so much for the extensive information! I do not have any attachments, other than just the hose itself attached. There is a cloth bag inside with a rubber like gasket around the top of it. Serial No. T 5195 Model No. 116.98132
110 V 3 Amps Made in the USA. I appreciate the info and look forward to learning more...Eleisa


Post# 245595 , Reply# 3   8/14/2013 at 00:00 (3,879 days old) by Electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

electrolux137's profile picture


That is definitely a Kenmore hose -- I'd recognize those metal ends anywhere.

This Energex must be from the early to mid 1930s, because the first Commander "atomic bomb" tank machine came out in 1939.


Post# 245609 , Reply# 4   8/14/2013 at 05:42 (3,879 days old) by kenkart ()        
And

The 116 prefix indicates it is a Birtman built machine, also note the wheels, they are the same used on older Kenmore uprights.

Post# 245632 , Reply# 5   8/14/2013 at 08:33 (3,879 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
Definitely a VERY early Kenmore tank. Mid 1930's, probably sold around the same time as the American-Built model 12 Lux. Look how much more advanced the Energex was being on wheels instead of runners, just like a Progress or Filtex at the time.


Post# 245641 , Reply# 6   8/14/2013 at 10:38 (3,879 days old) by rafterfind ()        

Thanks for the input...I never would've guessed that I'd be so intrigued by an old vacuum!

Post# 245669 , Reply# 7   8/14/2013 at 13:05 (3,879 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi rafterfind.

caligula's profile picture
While you might be intrigued by one vacuum cleaner, most of the members of vacuumland and the Vacuum Cleaner Collector's Club, which I founded in 1983, have several, it not hundreds per collection, heres a picture of mine.

This Energex looks like a great machine, and if nothing else it makes a wonderful conversation piece.

Glad I could help.

Alex Taber.


Post# 245670 , Reply# 8   8/14/2013 at 13:18 (3,879 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi Tom.

caligula's profile picture
If memory serves me correctly, both you and Clay were at the meeting when John made that presentation. That was a fantastic weekend. Here's another meeting that I hosted. That's John Lucia in the front chair.


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