I was at the Kirby dealer the other day, and they gave this mini poster of the Kirby time line. I don't know if it has ever been posted on here before, so I scanned it to share with everyone.
Jim
Post# 56463 , Reply# 1   12/19/2008 at 12:50 (5,578 days old) by kirbysthebest(Midwest)  
This shows the 516 fom 1956-1957 and the Duel 50 from 1965 to 1967. Where was the machine between '57 and '65? My mother had one that was bought in '61 that was grey and red I just don't remember what the model was.
Post# 56468 , Reply# 2   12/19/2008 at 13:17 (5,578 days old) by ohio_tuec ()  
Yes, this poster leaves lots of voids. It omits the 2C, 3C, and 4C, the R series isn't even mentioned. Between '57 and '65 we had the 517-519, 560, 561, 562, and Sanitronic VII. I guess they're just giving a general overview of models produced. I see the Heritage II Legend is missing as well...
Post# 56480 , Reply# 3   12/19/2008 at 16:24 (5,578 days old) by samotronic ()  
Can't speak for the omission of the earlier models, but they might think that the 517-519 did not appear different enough from the 516 to warrant an appearance here. But I'm kind of surprised that they don't include the 561 which I believe was the first with the triangle belt lifter and had that sunburst logo. They must feel that the original sanitronic (brown, I forget the weird color name that they gave that) was covered by the 65- 67 sanitronic 50 model and that the 1960s are covered by this one and the 80. They show the Classic and Classic Omega which aren't that different as well as the Ult G and Diamond (where the major differences can't be seen in a photo). Must want to focus on the latest models.
I believe my Mother's would have been the 561. This is the Red trimmed model with the Gray bag and the bag had a very stylized Kirby name silkscreened on it.
Yes, this one had the triangle sunburst belt lifter. I knew there was something missing. I learned to walk pushing that Kirby.