Info on Holland Rieger Imperial Sweeper Vac Model T-100

That's definitely an Apex tank cleaner - post world war II. Apex private labeled for anyone who wanted a cleaner with their name, but didn't want to actually make it.

There once was a company called Pnuevac, who made a cleaner with a motor driven brush called the "Sweeper-Vac". Hoover sued them. The design was bought by Western Electric, and renamed the "Western-Electric Sweeper-Vac". Eventually, Western Electric reorganized, and the machine was made by "the Sweeper-Vac Company". It's claim to fame was there were no wheels on the nozzle to keep it from sitting flat on the carpet, and the brush was driven by a belt that rotated in a tray on the bottom of the motor housing. The belt (and pulley) could be moved off the armature shaft when you wanted the brush not to rotate (bare floors, etc.) or could be make to rotate by placing "that lever" (their words) to the left, which engaged it with the drive shaft.

By the mid 1920's, better models were made and sold. Eventually, the "Sweeper-Vac" company became simply a name that could be purchased and put on another manufacturer's cleaners. The same thing that happened with the General Electric name being used on Eureka cleaners sold at Wal-Mart several years ago.


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Post# 362599 11/20/2016 at 21:21 (2,706 days old) by cor3y721 (Pennsylvania)
Checkrate/Likes I came across this canister vacuum while sorting my great uncle's estate. It still works but definitely has some cosmetic issues. I haven't been able to find anything about it online, except that Holland Rieger acquired the Sweeper Vac company in 1941, so this vacuum would be post-1941. I don't collect vacuums but appreciate anything old and interesting. I'd appreciate any info that you folks could offer, including rarity and value (if it has any). Thanks! -Corey Photos... < > Photo 1 of 3 View Full Size

Post# 362614 , Reply# 1 11/21/2016 at 08:31 (2,706 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)
Checkrate/Likes *'Sweeper Vac'* I have never seen this version but it looks like a tank from Apex.(Hose,except machine end,and wand are from 60s Hoover.Leather handle is replaced with belt.)

Post# 362616 , Reply# 2 11/21/2016 at 08:46 (2,706 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)
Checkrate/Likes I wish I knew more about Sweeper Vac. I have a beautiful Sweeper Vac upright from the 1930s I got from a collector in Kansas many years ago named Jim Kirby (no relation. I know nothing about it.

Post# 362617 , Reply# 3 11/21/2016 at 09:29 (2,706 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)
Checkrate/Likes *Sweeper Vac* That's definitely an Apex tank cleaner - post world war II. Apex private labeled for anyone who wanted a cleaner with their name, but didn't want to actually make it. There once was a company called Pnuevac, who made a cleaner with a motor driven brush called the "Sweeper-Vac". Hoover sued them. The design was bought by Western Electric, and renamed the "Western-Electric Sweeper-Vac". Eventually, Western Electric reorganized, and the machine was made by "the Sweeper-Vac Company". It's claim to fame was there were no wheels on the nozzle to keep it from sitting flat on the carpet, and the brush was driven by a belt that rotated in a tray on the bottom of the motor housing. The belt (and pulley) could be moved off the armature shaft when you wanted the brush not to rotate (bare floors, etc.) or could be make to rotate by placing "that lever" (their words) to the left, which engaged it with the drive shaft. By the mid 1920's, better models were made and sold. Eventually, the "Sweeper-Vac" company became simply a name that could be purchased and put on another manufacturer's cleaners. The same thing that happened with the General Electric name being used on Eureka cleaners sold at Wal-Mart several years ago.

Post# 362629 , Reply# 4 11/21/2016 at 13:08 (2,705 days old) by cor3y721 (Pennsylvania)
Checkrate/Likes *Sweeper Vac* Great info, thank you! Does it have any value?

Post# 362670 , Reply# 5 11/22/2016 at 09:34 (2,705 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)
Checkrate/Likes Lately there have been a number of them on eBay. Under all the different names (Apex, Air Queen, Air Chief, etc.). The ones that sell are complete with original hoses and attachments. The only thing that makes yours unique is the nameplate. Sorry if that is not the answer you're looking for, but the tank Apex cleaners are not one of the cleaners 'everyone has to have'. Now, if it was a round Apex Strato model, the bidding would be through the roof.

Post# 362674 , Reply# 6 11/22/2016 at 14:59 (2,704 days old) by cor3y721 (Pennsylvania)
Checkrate/Likes *Sweeper Vac* No worries. I'm just happy to learn more about vintage vacs. The info is appreciated.