Electrolux Model 1205

[tvl]

I have an Electrolux 1205 that was purchased new in 1973 and is in immaculate condition. I would now like to sell it. I'm curious to know the following:

1- Where would be a good place to list the item to get the most views and/or the most serious buyers?

2- What's the most I can expect to get for the unit - Again it is truly in immaculate condition and it functions perfectly - it also has the beater bar for carpeting and 36 brand new Electrolux vacuum bags.

Thanks!!

 

[paul]

Hi,

1 - Pricing vintage floor & surface care appliances is more of an art than a science. Different factors come in to play that are more subjective than objective. Main reasons why someone might pay top dollar ($100 or higher) would be if it is very rare, is in mint condition—mechanically and cosmetically, has a great deal of sentimental attachment, and/or is complete with all original parts and its instruction book. Extra ephemera would be a bonus.

This is how I rate your 1205 ...

Pros:

-appears to be well-preserved; no major dents or scratches
-has an original Model PN-1 power nozzle
-good quantity of replacement filter bags

Cons:

-lacks its original teal-colored combination dusting brush/upholstery tool and hose.
-no user guide
-looks well-used
-widespread availability

Thanks for seeking input. I wish you well.

 

[human]

As my great grandfather was known to say about horses...

...they're worth whatever some damned fool will pay. That holds true for vacuum cleaners as well, and for better or worse, you cannot use eBay prices as any sort of guide. Unscrupulous sellers and naive buyers can create all manner of unrealistic expectations. You might check the Marketplace section of this site for a somewhat more realistic idea of what similar machines go for. Selling on our Marketplace page would also ensure that it goes to someone who will appreciate it and take care of it. What you have is a fairly niche machine that will most appeal to collector/enthusiast. For most of the rest of the population, they'd take one look at an old vacuum and go "Ewwww! Why would anybody want somebody else's dirt!"

A couple of other condition notes: The hose is a generic, third-party replacement, as evidenced by the sliding suction relief control. The genuine Electrolux ones have a twist knob, which is a far more satisfactory design. I see someone has resorted to the 'broccoli band' method of keeping the suction relief closed. That said, the fact that it is a vinyl hose doubtless improves the vacuum's performance over a leaky OEM woven hose. For actual function, a genuine Electrolux vinyl hose is optimal. I can't tell from the photos, but is your electrified wand the more common two-piece model or the rarer telescoping one?

 

[human]

Super Market, not Marketplace

I just realized I used the wrong nomenclature in the above post. What I referred to as the "Marketplace" is actually called the "Super Market". Sorry for any confusion.

 

[kloveland]

That’s a pretty common model! I think I have around five of them in varying condition. To put things into perspective I just bought one at a thrift store a couple weeks ago for $30.00. Which is a tad more than I usually pay.. but I thought it was reasonable.

 

[huskyvacs]

I have found the blue 1205 is the most popular model collectors want, so those always sell.

 

[tvl]

Thanks "Human" for your reply

You ask: "I can't tell from the photos, but is your electrified wand the more common two-piece model or the rarer telescoping one?"

I checked and the electrified wand on my unit is the two piece ...... not telescoping!