Bustler Vacs by Vacuums Ltd of Birmingham, UK.

[manchestervacs]

So I just won this "Bustler" made in 1938 by "Vacuums Ltd" on fleabay.

Can anyone give me any background on these machines or the company please? Google draws a bit of a blank.

 

[vacerator]

I'll do some research.

It's a very handsome machine in incredible condition. Maybe a department or catatlogue store version of an early UK made Electrolux, or Goblin?
A treasure, also like my war of 1812 sword made in Birmingham England in 1810 with Wooley's improved steel. It made it's way here from Canada.

 

[manchestervacs]

It was interesting in that it came with its original HP payments book and a letter from the company. I'll share the item link below which has photos and more info on. 


 


Curious I have never heard of the firm, and there is precious little data on "vacuums limited" either as it's so old. 


 


As a curiosity, I have emailed Companies Hse to see if they will let me re-register the company name as its on the restricted list as it's too generic. If they agree, it might be fun to bring back the brand in some form. 


 


Anything anyone else knows much appreciated. 



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-E...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[vacerator]

I'm not having

any luck either. Maybe try a public library?

 

[watsonw]

it was made by......

Dudley appliances which was a manufacturing division of CWS (co-operative wholesale society) in Dudley, West Midlands for bustler towards the end of the bustler vac companies days circa 1955. Dudley appliances made all sorts of domestic electrical appliances including an upright cleaner which was a bit like gastric model and an all bakelite hand cleaner, washing machines, hair dryers, etc.

Earlier Dudley cylinder vacs were identical to yours except that the flex was thick and braided and the body covering was in a dark brown fake crocodile skin.the cases were darker in finish and more substantial.

Hopes this helps,

Regards, Walter, Shropshire.

 

[manchestervacs]

Thanks Walter, great info. 

 

[manchestervacs]

In case anyone is interested, here is a video of it in action: 



http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULXu61o6pqo

 

[vacbear58]

Bustler

I wondered who bought that machine, it certainly does look a beauty.

Having met Walter a couple of weeks ago I tremble to disagree with his comprehensive knowledge but here goes ......

I believe this machine was first seen as "The Eltra" in around the late 1920s or perhaps very early 1930s. They did not seem to last that long under that brand name, shortly appearing under the Bustler brand - they were more or less identical in every respect but the body colour. Even the box and instructions looked the same. Bustler also manufactured a very primitive stick vac too.

After WW2 (or possibly even just before) the Bustler name was gone and they were now branded as Dudley, the brand name of the Co-operative Wholesale Society, and it looked like CWS had taken the plant over. I have also seen a Vactric Junior upright branded as Dudley, but that was simply bought in. There was also a Dudley hand cleaner which looked very much like a 1930s design too, I have never seen that branded with any other name so I assume they manufactured it themselves. I have also seen a couple of Dudley wringer washers although whether they manufactured them or bought them in is unknown.

As Walter says production of Dudley cleaners continued through the 1950s and indeed into the 1960s - the cleaners were rather simpler design (they lost that very distinctive motor cover) but they were on a very small scale - it was almost like they shrunk in the wash LOLOL The hose and wands were short, the rug nozzle more like a large upholstery tool. The floor nozzle was similar to that seen on some of the cheaper Goblin models but in grey rather than white.

Al

 

[manchestervacs]

Much obliged, Al. 


 


I did Google map the company address, and it is a large house not a factory. A few minutes of digging showed the directors were a lawyer and a father and son who had links to other trades. So indeed, it looks like something manufactured elsewhere that was badged for them rather than something they actually produced. 

 

[chestermikeuk]

Bustler, Dudley. Mary Lou & CWS Vacs

Great example of the Bustler vac and as Walter and Al confirmed they where made by CWS and had a few badged names, I also have a "Mary Lou" vac identical to your yellow Bustler but has a dark leatherette cover, heres my 1938 crocodile skin Dudley Junior that Walter described, they certainly had attention to detail with instructions and sales literature !!

 

[watsonw]

Gentlemen,



.....I think AL is more than likely correct. His knowledge of the brand is clearly much more comprehensive than mine; I am always pleased to learn something new.

Is their a link between the 'Mary Lou' and the 'Mary Ann'?

Regards, Walter.

 

[chestermikeuk]

Bustler...Mary Ann ?

Hi Walter ha ha. is the youngest having another senior moment ? got me doubting it now, is it Mary Ann ? Will have a look next week.

No probs, I`m sure Al will be along for another "Correction" for Mike shortly ha ha..It is definitely a dark cover model.

 

[chestermikeuk]

And the answer is "Mary Ann"

As found by Gareth in South Africa..

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?27745

 

[watsonw]

senior moments

Hi Mike

'Senior moments', such a nuisance!!

My friend in wales has a good example Mary Ann. A friend found it for him on eBay. It was the very first model of cleaner his grandmother bought when her house was connected to the mains in 1935/6.

It was good to meet you at Al's.

Regards.

 

[manchestervacs]

chestermikeuk, I see you are not far from us. If you happen to head over to Stockport/Manchester for any reason, do stop by and have a brew and have a glimp at our mini museum.