Funny you would mention that particular Kirby. It has been listed at least once before with no takers; I didn't know it had been re-listed. The seller wrote me last night. Here's our conversation:
=======
Hi, I got your email from your Kirby history site. I have an old Scott and Fetzer, years ago I was told it was a 1914 (but I do not know this for sure) but I can find nothing on the web in the way of pictures etc. I am trying to find out what the top part of the handle is made of it is attached to metal which is then attached to the wooden handle. In picking up the vacuum by the top part of the vac the plastic or vulcanized? or whatever it is broke. I am trying to find out what I should use to repair it.
ANY help you can give as to the actual year of the vacuum or material at top of handle or ANYthing will be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you for your consideration;
Ruby
-------
And I replied:
Hi, wasn't this machine just recently on eBay? I seem to recall seeing the 'composite' photo.
Your machine is the first so-called Scott & Fetzer Sanitation System -- the telltale signs are the single wheel in the rear and the fact that the bag attaches directly to the exhaust instead of having a "sani-emptor," the dirt collection container that later Kirbys had.
However, it could not be earlier than 1928 as that is the first year Kirby manufactured an electric vacuum cleaner under that name.
The handle is made of Bakelite, an early form of plastic. Manufacturing of Bakelite was discontinued after WWII because producing it was complicated, costly and dangerous -- it was replaced with more modern plastics which are probably no less dangerous to manufacture but much simpler and less costly.
How is the handle broken? Is it missing a chunk, or is there a crack in it? I'm not a Bakelite expert but I would think Crazy Glue would work, if you're careful with it and not use too much.
If you are looking to sell it, I have to tell you that, yes, it's old, but not in great condition -- even die-hard vacuum cleaner collectors would not put great value on it. The original bag is pretty much shot, and since the bag is an integral part of an antique vacuum cleaner's design and aesthetics, its condition is a key factor in terms of "collectibleness."
Furthermore, it's incomplete. The Scott & Fetzer Sanitation System was very advanced for its time and came with a comprehensive set of cleaning utensils.
Also, I seem to recall your auction listing stating that it didn't run, or didn't run well -- that too would affect its value.
