912A mystery.

[junior1975]

Guys and gals,

Here is the latest addition to my collection courtesy of James B, Kirbymodel2c.

This I beleived to be an early 912 when I first saw it, one with a replacement handle and bag, but it seems from my having examined her up close that she is in fact a very early 912A, with a certain transition from the 912 to the more familiar all silver 912A's which I have one of already (click on the link to my web page to see her).

Does anyone else know more about this evolution, and can anyone date her from the serial number for me? My product manuals are at my folks place so I cannot check for myself right now.

Here she is.



http://bfg75.webs.com/commercialrange.htm

 

[junior1975]

Closer

 

[junior1975]

Underside

New style product label seen on late 1960's Junior 1346's, but old style serial number as per previous conventions used.

 

[junior1975]

Ribbed cord.

Older style ribbed cable seems to be orignal.

 

[junior1975]

Grey switch plate,

Original style switch plate and cable grommit, but the first one I have seen in grey?

 

[junior1975]

Birth certificate

Can anyone date this old girl for me???

 

[junior1975]

Red handle release.

This is more familiar to the orignal 912 rather than the 912A too.

 

[junior1975]

Soooooooooooooooo

Whaddaya think guys?

She is a most welcome addition to the Classic Hoover emporium as she is an example of my favourite Hoover design of all time. THANKS JAMES!

Happy hoovering all.

Clark.

 

[constellation86]

Congrats on the wonderful find.
I love these models too.
Nicholas

 

[vacbear58]

Jack has a 912

Clark
You probably know this already but just in case, Jack has a 912, and features it in the commercial section of his web site - the link is below

Al

http://www.vintagehoover.com/commercial.htm

 

[hooverbaby]

hmm..

Well Clarke I'm not sure, all I know is that the very early 912s had a longer rubber handgrip and a metal switch plate, with just two screw holes. It's strange how the label says 912A but the chassis is stamped 912. is there an A on the chassis as well?

Unfortunately I don't know how to date by studying the early serial numbers; it seems that they were numbered according to the batch..and this machine appears to date from sometime in the 60s. IIRC, also the early ones had a different kind of label underneath, which was curved at the top. AFAIK, the original 912 was introduced about 1950..but I'm not sure of the exact date.

I believe that an equivalent American version was introduced some time previously. IIRC, similar machines included models 90, 91, 913 and 918?

Stephen

 

[hooverbaby]

As for the bag

I'm pretty sure that's quite a late Hoover replacement, possibly from the 1990s.

 

[junior1975]

Thanks guys,

Hi Al, Nicholas and Stephen.

Al, I do know of Jacks 912 and a fine example it is too, thanks for that though. I only wish I could find one of the earliest UK 912's. Can I just add how much I admire some of the real rare birds you have in your awesome collection, and hopefully one day we can arrange a mini-meet where I get to meet some of you guys!

Nicholas. Thanks for your comments. I LOVE the 912 design, and its low sweet purr. Just something which really appeals to my senses.

Stephen.
Thanks for your comments too. I realise the bag is a late replacement, the original would have had either the Italic HOOVER CLEANER logo, as per the HOOVER PARTS CATALOGUE 1964 diagrams or the plain grey bag with HOOVER vertically in orange with round "O"'s I preume?

It is the whole amalgamation of the older style bits with the newer style look, and the dual ratings plate model number label, and the s/n and model number being punched into the chassis. As soon as the new style dateable serial numbers were issues they ceased to punch the numbers on the chassis, leaving a blank raised area where they used to be.

I think the rarest variation on this design I have seen is Seamus' C1312. CONQUEST style bag, and beige and brown colouring. I missed out on that machine myself owing to cash issues. LOL, to say I was a little green? Well OK yeah a lot!

I should be able to date my 912A to within 6 months when I do get my parts books back from my folks place some time soon.

I do need to get her some new lower bearings as the ones she has are noiser than I have heard in a long while, that or I try to force lubricate them with some Castol LM grease, should extend their life a little I hope.

Once again thanks for all your comments and advice folks.

Happy hoovering all.

Clark.