eBay auction: Eureka Prince II Model-Type 714-BV canister

[paul]

Eureka's Prince/Prince II & Princess/Princess II canisters were a hit with consumers when they were introduced in the very early 1960s. Styling was similar but unique to both due to the Prince's Power Selector and maybe another difference or two. The Prince model name was retired sometime in the mid-'60s according to newspaper ads; although the Model 714 was sold new in stores until the early 1970s. The Princess name was retired in the early 1980s; although the body style continued for another decade as the 1500 Series.

Anyway, someone from Missouri, with whom I have no connection at all, has a Prince II Model 714-BV for sale on eBay for $75 OBO plus shipping. 1963 to 1967 would have been the period of production. Btw, the 'V' added to the Type (as shown on the carton) would indicate the inclusion of the non-standard Vibra-Beat nozzle (a $10 value according to the ad below), a classic 1950s to early 1970s Eureka accessory that was not as effective as promoted but would be nice to have for nostalgia. I do wonder, though, if that's a regular easy-glide nozzle in the photo due to its slimmer look. You may want to request photos of the bottom of the nozzle if you're interested in bidding.

Such a cleaner belongs in a vintage vacuum cleaner collection or in a Eureka enthusiasts's home.

Photos:

1-7: eBay listing

8: 1965 newspaper ad

 

[paul]

Link

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2669864269...w6d2IgKItNg2zNdL32G8On8A2Z|tkp:Bk9SR7jtzPvSZA

 

[eurekaprince]

Thanks for highlighting this Eureka for sale, Paul! It’s almost worth buying just to get that vintage Eureka carton!

This particular model raises an interesting question: if a cleaner’s attachments are stored inside the canister’s dust bag compartment, don’t they eventually get dirty and dusty? Eureka was not the only vacmaker to do this: Hoover and Sunbeam also offered models which stored some attachments inside the dust bag compartment. I can’t imagine wanting to vacuum a light coloured sofa with a dusty upholstery nozzle.

 

[rugsucker]

Attachment storage

The Hoover Portable,later Cleaning Center,had the best storage idea with some models having cordwinder.The attachments in lid were completely separate from motor and bag.Not so with Eureka and Sunbeam that would be awkward to use and possibly dusty.Many Eurekas would have attachment rack,both fixed and removable,on top which was much better.
Very rare to find the EBay Eureka with box and in good,but not perfect condition.

 

[eurekaprince]

You were also able to store two attachments inside the Hoover Slimline's dust bag compartment.

 

[paul]

You bet, Brian! I was hoping you'd see this. Yeah, the carton is a rarity!

Brian & Jimmy—Good "tool tray talk". I hadn't considered the dust factor of the Prince II set-up; nor the Portable's isolated design to prevent it. I wonder if the tray would stay on the top as shown in the photo—especially if, say, a magnet strip on a small piece of foam or carpet were attached to the cover's corners? Eureka's top Tool-Pak tray—equipped on many of the 1700 Series—seems to have been inspired by the "stow-away" tool tray.

I always appreciate hearing from you guys as I value your insights and opinions. Thanks!

 

[eurekaprince]

It was an interesting design attempt, but the concept never lasted. The other problem I thought of is the potential damage to the motor if a dirty floor brush or dusting brush was put away inside. I can imagine the powerful suction in such close proximity to the dirty bristles would eventually pull away the dirt and catch it on the round motor filter…thus reducing suction in general.

The red tray was not meant to ride on top of the canister - there were no hooks or clips designed to secure it to the top of cleaner. The seller may have been trying to entice a buyer by doing that, but it would never stay on in normal use.

The only other cleaners I know of that stored the tools inside the dust bag compartment was the Sunbeam Courier (vertical suitcase) cleaner and the Hoover Slimline. It was a rare design concept that never lasted - probably due to the reasons mentioned here.