Thread Number: 31167  /  Tag: Pre-1950 Vacuum Cleaners
Kirby model C
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Post# 344536   2/18/2016 at 12:28 (2,960 days old) by 3rdGenVacGuy (Columbus, Ohio )        

I've seen post that list these models as c, 3c, 3c, etc. My machine has no model #, but the serial # is C185125. So, is this just a model C, and how old is this machine.

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Post# 344540 , Reply# 1   2/18/2016 at 12:51 (2,960 days old) by a007kirbyman (--->> Originally My Mom <<--- (now Wisconsin))        
Kirby Model C

a007kirbyman's profile picture
Hello Kurt.

That is definitely a model C Kirby.

It dates to 'about' 1936. In my research, I have not came across any 'hard data' that tells the exact date that the 'hammer-head' headlight was introduced.

I hope this answers your question(s).


I'm always happy to assist anyone with Kirby information, parts or supplies. And you're welcome to call any time you have Kirby questions, especially if you [or anybody] want(s) ACCURATE Kirby info. ~~lol~~

Cheers & hagd/n all,

Bill


Post# 344553 , Reply# 2   2/18/2016 at 14:04 (2,960 days old) by CharlesKirby66 (Manteca, CA)        

charleskirby66's profile picture

WOW!

 

There's another of my dream machines!  <3


Post# 344557 , Reply# 3   2/18/2016 at 14:37 (2,960 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)        

kirbycollector's profile picture
Also one of my dream machines

Post# 344564 , Reply# 4   2/18/2016 at 16:03 (2,960 days old) by kirbymodel2c (Nottingham, England)        
Yep

kirbymodel2c's profile picture

You have a Kirby later model C. The later version with the headlight was introduced at some point in 1935.

The early model C had no headlight. That was introduced in 1934. Some people refer to them as a 1C but they was only ever called Kirby model C. The No1 or "1C" appeared retrospectively. Like some people refer to the Heritage as a Heritage 1 or the first Sentria as a Sentria 1.

The manual for the model C stayed the same for the late and early versions. It's just that the later verison came with a insert showing the headlight and how to change the light bulb.

Infact in the manual only refers to the Kirby as the Kirby if I remember correctly...

 

You have a very nice Kirby there.

 

Jamescool


Post# 344576 , Reply# 5   2/18/2016 at 19:14 (2,960 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Now I'm confused!

caligula's profile picture
Hi Kirbymodel2c:

I have one of these models with the 'hammerhead' light, and always thought it was a 1-C. As a man who both worked for Kirby (1977-84) and has been a vacuum cleaner historian since at least 1974, I always went with the term 1-C. Then I read the above post and I thought your comment, that there was no 1-C made a lot of sense and I was ready to accept it. But I always check my facts and according to the timeline in the 'About us' section of the Kirby Company website, it shows the 1-C, which does have the hammerhead, or what I call the scroll headlight.

So please post the opening pages of the first instruction book. I have the second one and let's clear this up. It's very possible the person who designed the Kirby timeline is using the same mis-information that I've been using all these years.

Thanks,
Alex Taber
V.C.C.C.


Post# 344638 , Reply# 6   2/19/2016 at 15:18 (2,959 days old) by kirbymodel2c (Nottingham, England)        
Hi Alex

kirbymodel2c's profile picture

I will at some point show a close up of the Kirby model C manuals. There just packed away at the moment.

If you go to your Model C and look at the I.D tag underneth it will show the  model similar to the one above C and then the rest of the serial number. Like Kurts number above C  185125

 

Don't take the Kirby timeline serious on their website....According to that there's a 506 and 507 which of course there isn't.

I've attached pics of my early and late model C I.D tags as well as the 2C I.D tag for comparison.

As you can see both early/late C id tags just state C where as the 2C say 2C. This is the same for the 3C/4C and Rs as well.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Jamescool

 

 


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