Sounds to me like this guy is just on a fishing expedition... "I don't want to sell it but I am sure it's priceless and you all have to agree with me!"

..."Not"...

There are people here who have been collecting vacuum cleaners for 50 or more years. If we're all agreeing that what he's basically got is an interesting old shop vac but with little or no value, "trust us."

If he doesn't believe us "experts," then let him list it on eBay with an opening bid of his pulled-out-of-a-hat value of $500 and see how many bids he gets. For that matter, let him list it on eBay with an opening bid of FIFTY bucks and see how many bids he gets!

We vacuum cleaner collectors do tend to look askance at folks who try to tell us that their vacuum cleaners that are in fair condition (and having to go on their word that the machines "run perfectly"), with no attachments or accessories, are "rare priceless antiques."

"I'm just sayin'"

Generally speaking, I was just speaking generally.

You'd be surprised at the number of queries collectors get about the value of old vacuum cleaners, both here in the forum as well as privately via personal web sites. There was a time when I was getting so many that that was why I wrote up that essay on the value of "Aunt Tillie's Old Sweeper."

Over the passage of time, the nature of such queries has changed in many cases from "I found a grotty old vac in my grannie's attic, if you want it you can have it" to "I found a rare vintage vacuum cleaner in my grannie's attic, I'm sure it's pretty valuable. Do you want to make an offer on it before I list it on eBay and retire from the proceeds of the auction?"

There are various reasons for this, chiefly among them eBay.

eBay has proven to be double-edged sword that cuts both ways: In the early days of eBay, wonderful vacuum cleaners were to be had for very little money because so few collectors were there bidding on stuff.

But as more and more collectors came streaming in, and more and more people began bidding, the bid amounts on some vacuum cleaners (in most cases, mint and complete condition) went through the stratosphere. And that continues to this day. Which is well and natural, and as it should be in a free and open marketplace.

I didn't say you specifically said any of those things that you said I said you said.

But you DID say, quoting directly, "I'm not eager to sell it. And I do think with more research it will be proven valuable."

I said "fair condition" based on the photos and lack of any attachments. I did not say you said that. =I= said that.

And, if I do say so myself, I am an expert on vintage vacuum cleaners. I started collecting vacuum cleaners when I was 15 years old, and that was many moons ago. And yes, I do tend to "spout off" sometimes.  My overheated spout notwithstanding, I was not "slamming" anyone --- but was merely stating the obvious.

"I didn't ask you specifically for a quote or appraisal. It was an in general question."

You opened this thread with:

"Any opinions on what its worth? Let me know what you think"

That seems fairly specific to me. And since you did not direct that question toward any person in particular, the logical assumption would be that you were inviting all forum members to respond. And so I did -- stating, as I said, only the obvious.

"Well for future reference, these are quotation marks; "bla bla bla". And when you use them, they imply the quotes of someone."

Not necessarily: A writer, when paraphrasing a person's remarks, would set even paraphrased remarks in quotes.

But enough already ... I've put my 2¢ in and don't feel the need to put any more in.

Good luck with your Tornado,