Premier Duplex vacuum WWII history

[petek]

Kirby prices

I haven't invested much at all in the Kirbys. The two Traditions , the one Heritage II and a Singer cost $60 along with the 2 Tradition toolboxes included. I can't rightly recall what I paid for the Classic III and the other Heritage II but I don't think either was more than $30. Then a few bucks for polishing wheels and some time to shine them and wash the bags out.. I did that in the downstairs bathtub using Arm & Hammer detergent, the blue color on the traditions runs somewhat, but they air dried outside and were just like new. Kirby used prices seem to be all over the clock looking at the classified ads here most though are pretty inexpensive for what is a great vacuum, certainly better than the new plastic stuff, AND they just look great I think

 

[westytoploader]

I noticed that your Premier was extremely light and easy to move as well! The closest machine I have ever had was a Royal 801 from the 1960's (the upright companion to the 501 hand vac IIRC). It was a fun machine as well and picked up everything in its path; the metal fan would make a "plink" sound. Not to mention it still had that "rounded" styling like the early Royal revolving-brush machines. I have to admit that these machines, while cute and lightweight, pack a lot of power for their size!

 

[partscounterman]

Quiet too!

I noticed that all the vacuums that we were playing with at convention were not only pretty easy to push, but way quieter that those roaring plastic pieces of *poo* available nowdays. I guess you don't have to wake the dead in order to clean a rug.

 

[tolivac]

Thats is a point why are the modern "plastic" vacs so noisey?-sounds more like you are trying to have a B-52 take off in your living room-and with all that noise-the older quieter machine does a better job!!And 30,40,50 years from now will you be able to sweep your floor with that "B-52" plastic vac?the tone of their noise is esp irritating.There are some modern machines where they do try to muffle the motor sound with foam and filters.The exhaust filters in some machines quiet the noise a bit.Areos Lux however is MORE Noisey than before-esp their "Guardian" Canister vacs.That sounds like a jet engine for sure-Commented to a salesman trying to demo the machine-or is it yelled to him as he was running it--"Why is it so noisey?"He said Customers like the sound-makes the machine more powerful"said he-I told him-"Pack it up" and got out an Older 'Lux-he liked the older one better!

 

[rickr]

The quality of vintage vacuums

I just had to steal this photo from Jon's convention thread. These were the three VERY nice vintage uprights that we "test drove" at the convention.
The Kirby was a 1950's model and had NEVER been used! The owner had found it N.I.B.!
The early 1950's Hoover was in flawless original condition,including the dust bag! The owner found it via eBay.
The Premier is a VERY high mileage,but restored early 1920's model.

All three of these machines were tested out in Gregs kitchen the night of the big wash in party.(and boy was his kitchen floor ever clean after that!!) It was fantastic to see and feel the quality of these three classic American built uprights.

 

[tolivac]

Cool trio of vintage vacs-Have a similar Kirby but without the attachments.Looking for the Hoover-Saw an ad for showing it in a Sept 1952 issue of Better Homes and Gardens.Looking for a Premier.Any of these machines will outclean most newer ones built today and outlast them!!Prospective vac shoppers would do better to look for any of those at the swap shops and second hand stores!!or I guess EBAY.