Thread Number: 30502  /  Tag: Pre-1950 Vacuum Cleaners
New Photos of My Growing Collection!
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Post# 338023   11/24/2015 at 08:44 (3,047 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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I have a few new additions coming soon, so I decided it was time to get things organized in my workshop down in the basement where most of my vacuum cleaner collection lives. It's a small space, so trying to get 50+ machines to fit in an aesthetically pleasing fashion is always a challenge. Overall, I'm happy with the way it came out.

Post# 338024 , Reply# 1   11/24/2015 at 08:54 (3,047 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        
Wall of canisters...

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Post# 338025 , Reply# 2   11/24/2015 at 08:55 (3,047 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        
A coffee can for every occasion...

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Post# 338026 , Reply# 3   11/24/2015 at 08:58 (3,047 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        
The operating table...

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Post# 338027 , Reply# 4   11/24/2015 at 09:01 (3,047 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        
The Kirby section: quality over quantity...

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Post# 338028 , Reply# 5   11/24/2015 at 09:17 (3,047 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        
The "others"...

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Post# 338029 , Reply# 6   11/24/2015 at 09:19 (3,047 days old) by FantomFan (Rochester, New York)        
Beautiful!

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What is the upright to the left of the straight suction Apex? I love the styling on that thing! I also really like your Air-Way upright. Still looking for one of my own!

Post# 338031 , Reply# 7   11/24/2015 at 09:22 (3,047 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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Thanks! That's actually an Apex as well, here's a better photo of it:



Post# 338034 , Reply# 8   11/24/2015 at 10:06 (3,047 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Growing collection:

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Hi Coffee-can man:

That's an awsome display, and you've made good use of limited space. I love how you have some uprights on the walls, and see that you have a non electric upright called the Warner. I have one of those too. And here's a bit of trivia on it. In the movie 'My Fair Lady' with Audry Hepburn the Warner is being used in the song 'The rain in Spain.' It's a very short scene, but it is an action shot.

I also love the upright Air-Way, what year is it? my guess is around 1920. I also have one but nowhere near that condition, but then it was in storage for 9 years. I'm hoping to restore it to original. And that's a nice G.E. Roll-Around, I'm glad it's got a good home.

Alex Taber.



Post# 338035 , Reply# 9   11/24/2015 at 10:22 (3,047 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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Thanks Alex! Actually that pump cleaner is a Feeny, I found it at an antique shop while I was on vacation this summer, it was a good price so it came home with me. The airway is probably right around 1920, believe it or not all I did to it was a light polish. The woman who bought it new didn't care for it, so it came to me with just a little bit of dirt in the original disposable cellulose bag. The outer bag has a small water stain on it from storage, so I hope to find a nicer one someday. Everything else on it is like new! Would love to find a hose and dusting tools for it someday too. You know, so I can blow dry my hair with the oven...

Post# 338038 , Reply# 10   11/24/2015 at 10:46 (3,047 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

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The Air-Way is closer to 1929. You'll note the height adjustment levers on either side at the back of the nozzle. These launched with the model F in 1929. Also, the early Air-Way uprights (1920 - 1923) had black painted rear wheel support bracket and the very early ones had black painted nozzle tube (from motor to nozzle).

Post# 338041 , Reply# 11   11/24/2015 at 12:24 (3,046 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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Tom, you are correct. That was a typo, I meant to say right around 1930. I did not know all of those differences though, thanks for the info!

Post# 338043 , Reply# 12   11/24/2015 at 13:03 (3,046 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Non-electric pumper.

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Hi Coffee-can man:

Here's a picture of the non electrics at the headquarters of the Vacuum Cleaner Collector's Club back in 1994.

Mine is the Warner, manufactured by the Warner vacuum cleaner company, Muncy, Indiana. While there were several of these pumpers sold under various names, they were all alike. For example the two identical pumpers on the end are the 'Grand,' and the 'Lawton.' Both of these were covered under the Kenny patent. David Kenny (I need to check correct spelling) was the man who regulated all non electric machines in the early 1900's. All of these have the same date stamp December 26, 1911 which makes them hard to research. Therefore the Feeny, Warner and several others are exactly the same.

Back in 1980, Stacy Krammes, director of the Hoover Historical Center gave me a ton of paperwork dealing with these machines. Once I locate the file ther're in I'll post them, as they make very interesting reading.



Post# 338046 , Reply# 13   11/24/2015 at 13:36 (3,046 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
History of the non electric's.

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The following material was given to me by Stacy Krammes long before the VCCC was ever thought of.



Post# 338047 , Reply# 14   11/24/2015 at 13:39 (3,046 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        

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The next 3 pages are a brief history of various brands.

Post# 338048 , Reply# 15   11/24/2015 at 13:40 (3,046 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        

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Page 2.

Post# 338049 , Reply# 16   11/24/2015 at 13:42 (3,046 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        

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Page 3.

Post# 338050 , Reply# 17   11/24/2015 at 13:44 (3,046 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        

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I also have several black and white glossies Stacy gave me, but I'll post those at another time. I'll also try to dig up the data on David T. Kenny.

Alex Taber.


Post# 338051 , Reply# 18   11/24/2015 at 14:01 (3,046 days old) by CharlesKirby66 (Manteca, CA)        
Kirby section!

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WOW!  What beautiful machines!  It looks like you have a 505 or earlier in that collection!  What models do you have there?  They look stunning, you are so fortunate.  The earliest model I have is a 515 and that was a lucky find.


Post# 338052 , Reply# 19   11/24/2015 at 14:21 (3,046 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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Thanks Charles! I have a 505, 508, and 510. Any additional Kirbys in my collection will need to be pre-war.

Post# 338054 , Reply# 20   11/24/2015 at 15:22 (3,046 days old) by CharlesKirby66 (Manteca, CA)        
Kirby 508

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Woah!  That's one of the next ones on my wish list, in honor of my stepdad's birth year.  The 515 is actually in honor of my Mom's birth year (and also, Disneyland's opening year).  You are so fortunate, beautiful collection but of course, Kirbys have a special place in my heart.


Post# 338059 , Reply# 21   11/24/2015 at 16:12 (3,046 days old) by FantomFan (Rochester, New York)        
Very nice Apex!

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I LOVE the styling on the motor housing!

Post# 338068 , Reply# 22   11/25/2015 at 08:56 (3,046 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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I love the design of the Apex's as well, they were certainly unique and stood out from the competition as far as looks went. This Apex model A3 from around 1923 has an interesting design with a few unusual features. The machine is powered on by turning the end cap on the handle grip, the wire runs through the wooden handle in a notched out channel. The height adjustment lever is on the front of the nozzle, and the bag has graphics on both sides!

Post# 338084 , Reply# 23   11/25/2015 at 15:49 (3,045 days old) by westyfan (St Louis, MO)        
Love your collection!

You have some really nice cleaners. Do I spot a GE monitor top in the picture of your Kirby 505? I just recently purchased one and love the way it looks (and works)! What model of monitor top is that? I have a CK unit from 1936. Looks like you have quite the kitchen with a matching antique oven.

Post# 338244 , Reply# 24   11/28/2015 at 20:41 (3,042 days old) by hygiene903 (Galion, OH)        
Beautiful Machines Brandon!

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Nice collection, great variety, great pics. Love the other vintage appliances in the pics too!
Jeff


Post# 338246 , Reply# 25   11/28/2015 at 21:17 (3,042 days old) by Northwesty (Renton, WA)        
Great machines, really vintage.

I rarely sees these now at estate sales, etc., can I ask where you have found some of them...

Post# 338257 , Reply# 26   11/29/2015 at 07:21 (3,042 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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Raymond - Thanks! Yes it's a monitor top, model CK-15-A16 c. 1934

Jeff - I appreciate the compliments!

Brian - Believe it or not I do still find a lot of good machines at estate sale. Craigslist is also a good place to look.


Post# 338260 , Reply# 27   11/29/2015 at 08:29 (3,042 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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My kitchen, for those interested:

Post# 339147 , Reply# 28   12/13/2015 at 03:00 (3,028 days old) by Durango159 (State College, PA)        

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Quite a nice collection of classic machines!!! You've done quite well at collecting the hard to find, classics that are the vacuum cleaner heritage.

Post# 339159 , Reply# 29   12/13/2015 at 09:49 (3,028 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
I love that kitchen.

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In reply 22 you have the base of a coffee maker, I can't see the whole thing, but if it's a Universal I used to have one. Right now my mom has it. Mine was a set, coffee urn, silver cream and sugar containers on a silver tray. Theres an on/off switch in the cord.

That looks like 'Clubware on the stove, my mom had that in yellow when I was a kid, and my grandmother (her mom) had a spice set like yours only in black. I love the refrigerator, General Electric?

As I said I love the kitchen.



Post# 339353 , Reply# 30   12/15/2015 at 11:35 (3,025 days old) by westyfan (St Louis, MO)        
That kitchen is fantastic!

I would love to use a kitchen like that on a daily basis. The stove and fridge set it off. I also love the cat clock! Here is a picture of my monitor top in holiday garb. You can't kill those ck units.

  View Full Size
Post# 339354 , Reply# 31   12/15/2015 at 12:36 (3,025 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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You can't kill them, but they can kill you! Dying from Sulphur Dioxide poisoning in my sleep has been a concern, but I guess it's proved itself after running for 80 years without fail. The stuff on the stove is Mirro Enamelware. The percolator might be a Universal, I can't recall. I have over a dozen antique percolators, ranging from a rare alcohol burner powered Manning-Bowman Meteor from the turn of the century up to a Pink Aluminum West Bend from the 50s. Old appliances are fun!

Post# 339371 , Reply# 32   12/15/2015 at 15:32 (3,025 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Universal coffee urn.

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I just went to Ebay, there are several, and the type I have is there on an oval nickle plated tray. The cord is in two sections joined with a round connector thingy that has a push switch in the shorter cord, and the female plug (machine end)is for round prongs like that of the Electrolux XXX. On the bottom of the urn is the name UNIVERSAL, and a series of patent numbers.

I wish I had it here with me now as it makes great coffee, up to 12 cups and would look great next to my buffet table. It blends in so nicely with my blue willow china. Perhaps Mrs. Claus (my mom) will bring it with her when she gets here from Indiana. By the way, she turned 90 in April and will be traveling by Amtrak alone. No stopping that lady!!!


Post# 339397 , Reply# 33   12/15/2015 at 18:44 (3,025 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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Just checked - it's a Universal!

Post# 339406 , Reply# 34   12/15/2015 at 19:40 (3,025 days old) by bikerray (Middle Earth)        

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Noticed the Eureka next to the Apex in one of the pictures, thought you might like this

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 4         View Full Size
Post# 339428 , Reply# 35   12/16/2015 at 04:14 (3,025 days old) by kenkart ()        
Great Kenmore range!

Trust me, you wont die from SO2..you will wake up and RUN!!LOL, It might kill a bird , but any other animals will get as far away as possible, really, its a BAD smell, but I wouldn't worry, just don't chip off frost with a ice pick and you will be fine..another plus, contrary to what the salesmen will tell you, that old Monitor Top is VERY efficient!...It does not run much and when it IS running it draws about 2 amps or less....no defrost heaters drawing 6 or 7 amps and no mullion heaters!!And I know you have noticed how much better it keeps food! No fans to dry out everything!

Post# 339431 , Reply# 36   12/16/2015 at 09:13 (3,025 days old) by westyfan (St Louis, MO)        
I Agree with Craig

Yes, you won't die from SO2, at least not in the concentration that you would encounter from a fridge dumping its load into a room. Usually leaks are small and you could easily detect even the smallest leaks since SO2 smells so strongly. As Brandon already pointed out, it has kept its original charge for 80 years...it must not be leaking out hardly anything at all. Heck, GE in all of their wisdom even had a "health" room where they pumped in small ammounts of SO2 to keep dissease at bay. I'm sure it worked! It would kill the germs and probably the pests for a small radius. Ha! Usually people create a leak by being rough with the evaporator coil by chipping away frost or by slamming a bottle into a pipe. Even then, they are pretty forgiving since the pipes are copper and the coil is stainless steel. Just goes to show you that if you treat your appliances with a modicum of respect they will, usually, pay you back in years upon years of reliable service.

Post# 339433 , Reply# 37   12/16/2015 at 09:53 (3,025 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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I was being slightly dramatic about the SO2. I've heard that it REEKS though!

Post# 339436 , Reply# 38   12/16/2015 at 10:43 (3,025 days old) by westyfan (St Louis, MO)        
I've never smelt it but...

From what I've read it smells like, well, sulphur. Burning sulfur at that because that is precisely how you produce it. You burn a lump of sulphur, it combines with oxygen and next thing you know you are fumigating a huge wine cask. Seriously, they still use SO2 for that very reason. Have you ever wondered what "contains sulphites" means on a bottle of wine? Winemakers have used it since the dark ages, think 13th century, to curtail the growth of nasty bacteria or nasty by products in wine. The old fridge techs used to call it "volcano breath" since volcanos actually produce SO2 from the burning of sulphur, among many other things, in their normal activity. It just so happens to be an efficient refrigerant as well. Very efficient, part of the reason why the old fridges used to run only about 2-5 minutes at a time.

Wow, this got way off topic but I always love to talk about old fridges...
So, now I need a vintage GE cleaner to compliment my fridge! Just like I have a Westinghouse fridge and vacuum!


Post# 342210 , Reply# 39   1/28/2016 at 13:03 (2,981 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
In reply 32

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I spoke of the Universal coffee urn in your kitchen and said I might get it this Spring. Well when I went to Indiana to assist my mom after a nasty fall I had it shipped here along with a marble coffee table, and other heavy items. I get it next week and will post pictures of it. As I said, mine is on a tray with the cream and sugar bowls, the only thing missing is the cord.

Post# 342675 , Reply# 40   2/2/2016 at 11:21 (2,976 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)        

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I want a 505 really bad
I don't know where to find one
Or how to get one
Any suggestions?


Post# 342683 , Reply# 41   2/2/2016 at 12:25 (2,976 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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Just keep an eye out. I just sold my spare one a couple of weeks ago. They are out there. There have been a few on eBay lately too.

Post# 342684 , Reply# 42   2/2/2016 at 12:28 (2,976 days old) by CoffeeCanMan (Ferndale, MI)        

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And since I'm already here...how about a shot of my new and improved wall-o-canisters and straight suction dept!

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 2         View Full Size
Post# 342692 , Reply# 43   2/2/2016 at 14:37 (2,976 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        

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Sweet! I think I saw that pink G.E. someplace before. All kidding aside, that an awesome display. I start working on mine later this week.

Oh yes, the Universal coffee urn is home, polished it today ant it looks great, too bad there's no cord or brew nasket and stem, but I'll locate those.



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