Early Eureka upright - a few questions

[zenith82]

Hello,

I have been a collector/restorer/user of vintage appliances for years and I've been using an Electrolux XXX, LX, and LXI in my home for a long time. I recently found an early Eureka upright vacuum. The tag on the motor housing has patent dates that range from April 8, 1910, through July 7, 1918. and the serial number is H559002. I am assuming this vacuum was made around 1919-1920. The bag is not original and I am assuming it's a 1930s/40s era replacement.

As for operation, it runs, but I noticed an occasional small arc inside the motor housing while it was running. My first guess would be that the carbon brushes are probably nearing the end of their life, but if anyone has any other ideas please let me know.

Can anyone tell me what model this vacuum is? Is my estimate of the date of manufacture close?

Does anyone know where I can find a bag that is correct for this model, or at least closer to it in age? I'd love to be able to find one with the earlier Eureka script on it.

Where can I get new brushes for the motor? I would guess that they might have to be custom made, but if there is anything off the shelf that will work, I'd love to know about it.

Any help will be greatly appreciated! Pictures are below. They have been re-sized through Photobucket, but I've noticed that sometimes their site can take a while to update, so I apologize if the images show up big.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[dysonman1]

That's a Eureka model 8. Made between 1921 and 1923. The original bag was black, with the word Eureka on it. There will always be some sparking where the carbon brush touches the commutator. Make sure the bearings are oiled. If the fire (sparking) circles the commutator, you have a problem. There are carbon brush seating stones that are small, square, white pieces that look like chalk, you hold them against the running commutator (through the vent holes in the back), and they will reseat the brushes and clean the commutator. The model 9 was virtually identical, but with much simplified wheels on the nozzle. Your model 8 is a very nice example.

 

[zenith82]

Thanks for the info! Sorry it took me a few days to acknowledge.