Compact by Interstate - Info Requested!

heyjules2 · Dec 28, 2015

Hi there, I'm not a "vacuum fan," but was wondering if anyone here has information on the vacuum shown in the attached photo, specifically when (approx.) it was manufactured. This vacuum was purchased new by either my grandmother or great-grandmother, and has been my family's "daily driver" ever since. I replaced the motor myself maybe 10 years ago, and I know the hose was replaced as well, maybe 20 years ago(?). Otherwise, I don't know much about it, except that it works amazingly well...plus, it has an exhaust port at the front, which I can attach the hose to to blow leaves off the front porch!

It's a pretty cool cleaner, and I love the heck out of it!

Thanks in advance!

caligula · Dec 28, 2015

Vintage Compact.

Hi heyjules2:

That's certainly an antique, I'd say late 1940's or very early 50's. There's a chart of all the Compact, Revelation and TriStar models that's seen on our 'Vacuum of the day' feature, I'll try to find the exact year for you.

Many people refer to the Compact as the 'pig,' as it looks like one, and they clean very well. The company was based out of Anahiem, California, but that's all I really know about it's history. Trust me, there are people here who can give you exact details, but it came with a host of attachments including a power floor polisher, and a Magic Disc, a sort of carpet sweeper. My first awareness was the Revelation, that was in 1956, and a few years later I would sit glued to the TV watching the game show 'Queen for a day,' which gave away a Compact to each winner.

Needless to say you have a great vacuum cleaner, a real work-horse, and should be far more than a hair dryer.

As I said, I'll see what info I can find.
Alex Taber.

caligula · Dec 28, 2015

Info on Compact.

Hi heyjules2:

The complete history of the Compact can be found on Wikipedia at (The Compact Vacuum Cleaner)-137.

This is the site of Charles Richard Lester, one of the experts here at Vacuumland. It's full of fun facts and great pictures. If there's anything vacuum cleaner related it's here, Charles covers them all Air-Way, Electrolux, Kirby, and several obscure machines.

The Revelation was the first, then the name was changed to the Compact. Seems yours is 1954, but the site will give you all the history you need.

Glad I could help. And by the way, the name Caligula, refers to the cat sitting in my lap. Caligula means 'Little Boots' in Latin, refering to the gold markings on his paws.

Alex Taber.

bikerray · Dec 28, 2015

I would say late 40s early 50s, here are a couple scans of the 1952 owners manual. It should have the model number on the bottom of the vacuum, if not then it is in the lid.

dysonman1 · Dec 29, 2015

You have a model C-2. It launched in 1950 and ran until 1957. It was sold under the Compact nameplate by door to door salesmen, and also sold in vacuum specialty stores, in blue, under the name Revelation. Same cleaner, same price ($129). They were quite popular machines, being lighter in weight than most. The Compact used a disposable bag quite early on - compared again to most canisters of that era. Sleek and easy to use, they were quite popular in the 1950's. By the 1960's the lack of features such as a cord winder, closed top bag, two speed motor, etc. made them less popular. Their very high price during the 1960's ($229) was also a factor in their decline.

dysonman1 · Dec 29, 2015

Model C-2 Compact and Revelation. 1950 - 1957

kenkart · Dec 30, 2015

The earliest

Ones had no cover over the switch, just a button sticking up, the later ones..after about 54 had a chrome step pedal over the switch...Great vacuums.

vw8256 · Mar 25, 2021

I found an Interstate Compact model c-2, but it is inside an ottoman! Does anyone know if this was standard? I ask because no one else has mentioned the ottoman... thanks!