40's Kirby 500 series for sale???

[gameplayerjim89]

Hi all
I would like to find a 40's Kirby 500 series for sale badly and have no idea where to purchase one!
I live in south Jersey
If anyone has any info on where I may find one or has one for sale PLEASE let me know!
Any addition info or education for a new buyer in what to look for and history would be greatly appreciated as well
Thanks

-Jim

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Where in SJ

are you Jim ? I am near AC here are you a collector ?
Danny

 

[mieles7]

Try antique stores, Craigslist, and eBay. Depending on the condition, I probably wouldn't pay more than $75

 

[papasvacs]

There is....

<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">a 560 on eBay right now.  Check it out.</span>

 

[gameplayerjim89]

Not really a collector...just want one nice one...505 would be ideal but would like anything from mid 40s to early 50's...saw a 2C for sale on eBay but it looked too messed with and too expensive

 

[d-jones]

Do a search through the vintage forum archives.

There are a number of good photos of early Kirby's so you can see what they should look like like. Unfortunately, it may take awhile to find one that hasn't been through a factory rebuild and had all of its black and gray trim and wheels replaced with red.

 

[gameplayerjim89]

I've found many good pictures of original 505's (trim, belt lifter, bag, cord, wheels, etc)...I don't mind if it was refurbished with unoriginal parts I just would like to find a mid to late 40's model Kirby

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Jim

When you describe your preferred timeframe of Kirby vacuums wanted as being "mid 1940s to early 1950s," you are thinking along the lines of models 505 to (1st series) 513.

The 513, produced from 1953-54, saw changes made to it on a "running change" basis (4.0 amp motor, different Kirby logo on nameplate, and red handle grip), so perhaps you'd want to find one with a 3.0 amp motor and grey handle grip instead of one with a 4.0 amp motor and red handle grip.

~Ben

 

[gameplayerjim89]

Ben
Thanks for the facts
Now is there any place that sells these or where I may find one?
What should I be paying for one?
I saw a 2C on eBay go for $220 but I wasn't sure that the chances were of me finding the attachments (if they had them back that far) or how much money I should be spending on this "venture"
-Jim

 

[d-jones]

eBay and Craigslist are your best bets. But stuff on eBay is often overpriced, sometimes way overpriced, and sellers on Craigslist sometimes refuse to ship. In the end, when it comes to tracking down a specific vintage machine, patience is your friend, and of course it helps if you're willing to make a road trip to get it when you find it. I recently drove from Los Angeles(southern California) to Chico(northern California) to pick up a vintage washer and dryer I found listed on Craigslist. It was a long way to go, but it was the only way to get the machines I'd been looking for. And don't be afraid to pass on a machine when the seller's asking to much. If you have to have it right now you'll likely end up paying more than you'd need to otherwise.

This is my 508 that I've had for about twenty years. Everything about it is wrong, except that it does work. I found it in an old vacuum cleaner shop, so there's yet another possibility. Again, with patience, you WILL find what you're looking for.

 

[d-jones]

For example

Here's an old 509 in Mansfield Ohio for ten dollars. It looks a little rough, but bringing them back to life is half the fun of owning them.

http://mansfield.craigslist.org/hsh/2897825584.html

 

[saralp810]

Kirby model 561 Brand New

I have a brand new Kirby Vacuum Model 561...its never been put together or used. I've seen so many different prices on kirby but still haven't found an actual price for this model. I would like to get rid of it ASAP!!! if anyone could help with an amount I should ask for that's reasonable...or if.anyone is interested

 

[tolivac]

I would be interested in the 561-but don't know what to offer for it.

 

[bobarmstrong424]

Kirby 505

I have 11 old Kirby's that are completely refurbished. New bearings, belts, polished. Oldest is a 505. Also have 508,513,515,516,517,519,561, Dual Sanitorum 50,Clasic 1 CR, and Heritage II Model 2HD. These are for sale. A former pastor at our church had a hobby of restoring Kirby's. When he moved he left these. I am going to sell them to raise money for our youth activities.