Little Kenmore Vacuum - Any Info?

[kevin313]

While I totally appreciate the beauty, fun and function of vacuum cleaners, they are not something I usually pick up. But I was just at an estate sale and this cute little Kenmore was tagged for a couple of dollars, so I thought I'd take it home.

I'm hoping some of you vacuum officionados could tell me something about this model. When was it made? Who made it for Sears?

Thanks for any information you can provide!

Here's some pix:

 

[kevin313]

Here;s the plate on the front:

 

[kevin313]

another view

 

[whirlcool]

Not that is a really old vac. Looks to me like it came from the 30's.

 

[westie2]

Kevin can you tale a picture of it upside down to how its brush roller or does it not have one.  Really old looking to me too.

 

[maytagbear]

I am NOT a vacuum expert

but the handle, switch, etc look Eureka-like to me.

Nice catch, Kevin!

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[norgeway]

Hi Kevin...

116 prefix means it was built by Birtman electric co, they marketed the same machine as a Bee-Vac, They built vacuums and mixers for Sears thru late 1957 when they as well as Seeger refrigerator company were gobbled up by Whirlpool in a somewhat hostile takeover engeneered by Sears aimed at getting more products under one manufacturing company, I would say its from the late 30s or 40s, but I will have to look at my catalogues to know for sure.Before 57 Seeger Refrigerator Co of Evansville Ind. made Coldspot fridges and freezers, Birtman made nearly all the Mixers and all the vacuum cleaners, Whirlpool made the washers and dryers and a company owned by Roper made most of the ranges for Sears.

 

[kevin313]

Hans, you rock!! Thanks for the info...I wan't sure of the vintage of this vacuum. I appreciate your great knowledge!