MODERN HYGIENE 240 WITH ATTATCHMENTS sold on eBay for $99.

I've been watching without intending to bid and didn't mention this Modern Hygiene so as not to jinx it, figuring that those who trawl eBay faithfully would have seen it anyway. I think this Brooks Stevens elongated cylinder 1949 design is quite handsome and the cast & polished aluminum attachments & nozzles are singularly, spectacularly and simply sculpted.

Contrary to its stellar exterior the Modern Hygiene is an ordinary cylinder of average suction for 1949. In fact the actual working vacuum bits - dustbag seal to motor end - take up only the 24" length of the Burgundy central section; the ~5" long polished aluminum end caps are hollow and a pipe extends the length to enter the cloth bag cover disc. The motor cap end is also empty except for a 1/2" felt secondary filter pad that also serves somewhat as a noise muffler and brush dust catcher.

Some lucky and astute guy or gal snapped up this prize for a mere $99 and I dearly hope it was one of us. Other than the replacement hose, which looks quite appropriate in silver/gray, it seems to be completely complete. I already have mine and I believe Charles, you have one, too?

Dave


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Post# 107229 8/29/2010 at 20:17 (4,986 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)
Checkrate/Likes I've been watching without intending to bid and didn't mention this Modern Hygiene so as not to jinx it, figuring that those who trawl eBay faithfully would have seen it anyway. I think this Brooks Stevens elongated cylinder 1949 design is quite handsome and the cast & polished aluminum attachments & nozzles are singularly, spectacularly and simply sculpted. Contrary to its stellar exterior the Modern Hygiene is an ordinary cylinder of average suction for 1949. In fact the actual working vacuum bits - dustbag seal to motor end - take up only the 24" length of the Burgundy central section; the ~5" long polished aluminum end caps are hollow and a pipe extends the length to enter the cloth bag cover disc. The motor cap end is also empty except for a 1/2" felt secondary filter pad that also serves somewhat as a noise muffler and brush dust catcher. Some lucky and astute guy or gal snapped up this prize for a mere $99 and I dearly hope it was one of us. Other than the replacement hose, which looks quite appropriate in silver/gray, it seems to be completely complete. I already have mine and I believe Charles, you have one, too? Dave

Post# 107231 , Reply# 1 8/29/2010 at 20:28 (4,986 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)
Checkrate/Likes Auction link below. The gracefully elongated runners are hollow chromed steel tubing but very strong. Imagine the processes required to make those bends without crimping! CLICK HERE TO GO TO aeoliandave's LINK on eBay

Post# 107233 , Reply# 2 8/29/2010 at 20:30 (4,986 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)
Checkrate/Likes The dust bag end. I use a Compact paper liner to keep the cloth clean in use. Perfect fit.

Post# 107235 , Reply# 3 8/29/2010 at 20:38 (4,986 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)
Checkrate/Likes The Modern Hygiene was a Holy Grail vacuum for me and I was so thrilled to find this one a few years ago complete with hose. I got a second ultra mini upholstery nozzle from the famed NC57 collection of the Crevi-Lux team as a wee souvenir before I went all squishy-brained and deep-pockets for the Lewyt 66. :-)

Post# 107236 , Reply# 4 8/29/2010 at 20:44 (4,986 days old) by electrolux~137 ()
Checkrate/Likes Yes, I do have one and I too was surprised at how little this one went for. There's just no accounting for the whims and caprices of eBay buyers I guess.

Post# 107237 , Reply# 5 8/29/2010 at 20:46 (4,986 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)
Checkrate/Likes Brooks Stevens was one of the influential Industrial Designers we have to thank for beautifying everyday objects.

Post# 107239 , Reply# 6 8/29/2010 at 20:48 (4,986 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)
Checkrate/Likes a small sampling of better known objects he had a hand in.

Post# 107240 , Reply# 7 8/29/2010 at 20:49 (4,986 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)
Checkrate/Likes Of course he did coffee Percolators...

Post# 107242 , Reply# 8 8/29/2010 at 21:00 (4,986 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)
Checkrate/Likes And cars! Boy oh boy, did Stevens do cars... The 1951 Kaiser Deluxe Club Coupe. CLICK HERE TO GO TO aeoliandave's LINK

Post# 107246 , Reply# 9 8/29/2010 at 22:04 (4,986 days old) by powertank ()
Checkrate/Likes He co-designed Wagoneers.

Post# 107260 , Reply# 10 8/30/2010 at 00:50 (4,985 days old) by electrolux~137 ()
Checkrate/Likes Here's a link about my Modern Hygiene, for those who may not have seen it. It also has some information about Brooks Stevens. CLICK HERE TO GO TO electrolux~137's LINK