Electrolux Model AE Debut (December 1956 ad)

[kevin]

Somewhere in a thread someone mentioned that the Electrolux Model E and Model Automatic E debuted at the same time--in 1955.

However, I just ran across this December 1956 ad listed on eBay which refutes that claim. Then, I went to Charles Lester's website and found that he has the correct information which he obtained by research.

I know that not everyone cares about accuracy; "close enough" is good enough. However, for those of us that do, I have created this thread.

Model E: 1954-1956

Model AE: 1955-1957

(Model T: 1956, Model S: 1956-1960)


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The ad got me to thinking that I've never seen an ad for a Model L or a tan Model G (among others). Do they exist? The tan Model G would be especially helpful, as someone also mentioned that the tan machines (G, L, B-8, CB, and Rug Washer) were launched in January 1966, rather than 1967 which so many sources and persons have stated; so such an ad would possibly confirm that (if the ad came out when the tan cleaners were introduced).

 

[electrolux137]

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The Model AE (or E-Automatic as it originally was called) was introduced in the late summer or early fall of 1956, not 1955.

The disastrous Model T came out some time in 1956 to replace the Model E as a more competitively priced bargain machine. It was sold for a VERY short time, probably just a couple of months when it proved to be a huge flop. (An Electrolux oldtimer told me that some salesmen didn't even show the Model T to prospects.)

The Model S came out right afterward in late 1956 as a more stylish and dainty economy model, and after it the Model F (Automatic) in late 1957 or early 1958, and then the Model R in late 1958 or early 1959. You can look at these models and get the release dates at my website. See link.

The ambiguity of release dates is due to two things -- 1. Research into stacks of Electrolux literature did not reveal exact dates. 2. It appears that various models were introduced in some parts of the country earlier than others (most likely urban areas before rural areas).

http://www.1377731.com/lux/luxlxs.html

 

[rugsucker]

Electrolux

Ads with Mo L--It is likely that
Elux would want to feature the most deluxe in ads and then when customer is with salesman or at branch they can learn of the full line.
Ad with Tan Mo G--there was usually a once a year ad in Good Housekeeping beginning in 50s through the 60s & into the 70s.A very nice Tan G ad in a 67 issue.
Test markets--There seems to have been times that Elux would introduce a vac in certain branches to get an idea of customer reaction,demo ideas,unlikely but possible problems,best pricing,etc.I have been told that part of West Virginia was among the first to have the new Power Nozzle.Also that early test markets of the Discovery II upright showed that customers would no longer buy the bigger,heavier original Elux UR and when the Disc was introduced nationwide existing stock of old URs were donated to the United Way to distribute to charitable organisations.

 

[tig21er]

The

Model AE was introduced April 1956 at the drive meeting. The Model S came out in 1957. The Model R came out in 1960.The Model G came out in 1960 and in 1961 the power nozzle was introduced with the Model G. In July 1963 the Model L was introduced.

 

[tig21er]

What I put on

was from the Electrolux Company History 1933-1963 by Electrolux.

 

[kevin]

Thanks everyone, for your responses. Good to have you back, Jimmy and John--at least I haven't seen you guys here for awhile.

Yeah, the ambiguity of the launch of Electrolux products always makes me wish that someone would produce their old inventory lists showing serial ids according to distribution dates. Having seen several packed vacuum cleaner stores (not Aerus, though) I would take for granted that there are some Aerus stores were longtime Electrolux branches that would still have such information in their basements, back rooms, or attics.

It's interesting that Charles' research has shown the debut of the Model Rs in 1958, while the 30th anniversary book from John mentions a 1960 debut. Unless it is a case of what Jimmy had mentioned about some cleaners being introduced in certain regions prior to mass distribution.

Jimmy, Were the ads usually in the December issues? I sometimes find old Good Housekeeping magazines in antique stores and have thumbed through several but have never found any Electrolux ads.

John, I have always heard that the power nozzle was launched with the Model F in 1959 in a gray color. Thanks for posting the 30th anniversary book pages--very interesting!

Thanks for posting a link to your website, Charles. It's chock-full of reliable information and fun anecdotes.

I'm glad and grateful that each of you is so generous in sharing your knowledge with the rest of us!

 

[tig21er]

The

power nozzle was indeed launched in 1959 on the AF. I wrote what Electrolux put in the book about introduction of the power nozzle and the Model G in 1961.

 

[kevin]

Ok--thanks for the clarification, John.

 

[electrolux137]

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Unfortunately, Electrolux company literature is rife with errors as to their chronology and the above excerpt illustrates that.

The Halo did not come out with the Automatic E as stated; it actually first appeared on the Model LXI in 1955 and then was standard equipment on the Model E and subsequently on the Model AE. (The cord winder was always an optional accessory until the Model G -- and it was pretty expensive!)

A cord winder could also be attached to the Model E but it was kinda kludgy -- a short cord with male plug came out of the rear of the cleaner and attached to the (standard) female lead on the back of the cord winder.

Since the Model E cord was hard-wired inside the housing, the only way they could attach a cord winder was that way, or else hard-wire the cord winder cord inside the machine, which I've also seen done from time to time. In fact, I have one like that sitting right here.

And by the way, the rear blower cover on the first Model E was chrome-plated, as it was for the Model LXI. Soon after the E was introduced, the blower cover was changed to less-costly hammertone blue.

Here are six photos to illustrate these comments:[this post was last edited: 7/10/2014-19:26]

 

[electrolux137]

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P.S.: The Electrolux model chronology shown above omitted Models XI, XX and T.

 

[gsheen]

I have a 220v Made in the USA Electrolux, Model 12 in Johns first pic, It was called the 32 here. It seems Electrolux SA was soucing machines from both Electrolux ab and USA. 

 

[rugsucker]

Electrolux

Good Housekeeping ads--These were probably more likely in the spring or fall months when more cleaning was done and Elux had 'drive months'(usually April & October)to go all out for more sales,new model introduction,close out pricing,etc.Branches would often receive reprint copies of upcoming magazine ads with 'As seen in (mo)(year)of XXXXXXXX magazine'to show customers.
-E--I have seen a very few early Es with 2 screws on switch button cover but the one I recall with extra chrome (front & rear) was a Metropolitan rebuilt.
Changes--As above there can be small changes during a models production.There seem to be times Elux would note some with a rubber stamp in already printed owners manuals.Such as a feature changing from standard to optional (or vise versa).

 

[kevin]

I was going to mention that the Model S's and Model R's line designs on their covers are identical but going in the opposite direction (Model S - flared on bottom; Model R - flared on top). I have always taken for granted, anyway, that the correct way of putting my Model R's cover on was with the text on the inside of the cover right side up--so the pic in your 30th anniversary book confirms that for me. I would think, then, that the Model S's line design in the pic would also match the direction of its inside text.

 

[electrolux137]

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As Jimmy said above:

 

[electrolux137]

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And regarding the Metropolitan rebuilt Es with polished rear and front covers, I've seen a couple of those too, and some with two screws on the switch plate. But on the one shown above, the rear cover is actually chrome-plated, not polished -- and only the rear was so-treated. The front cover is hammertone blue. I found that specimen at a thrift shop many moons ago.

 

[ronni]

Jimmy & Charles,

I wonder if a rubber stamp was used to mark the manual covers of the Model GHs, or if it was run through the printer again. I saw the brown-trimmed Model GH's manual once and noted that its cover was identical to the tan Model Gs except for the red letters which designated it as the hospital version. I would take for granted that the same was done with the teal-trimmed Model GHs manual.

Speaking of manuals, was there ever a manual for the Model LXI? I know there was one for the late Model LX with the aluminum nameplate but without wheels.

 

[crevicetool]

1968

This ad appeared on the back cover of the 2012 spring (Terry Lattz Tribute)VCCC Newsletter. I apologize for the poor copy, it's scanned from a "not so great" printed copy. I was able to make out the date at the lower right corner. 1968. It is a tan "G". Hope this helps. Interesting to note too, that the ad does not mention Consolidated Foods.

I am greatful to be able to refer to, and thumb through all of the printed newsletter editions that I have.

 

[kevin]

Groovy! The somber lighting fits the mid- '60s to mid '70s as opposed to the fairy-tale '50s.

 

[electrolux137]

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I have a color photocopy of a Hospital G manual, the tan version. In several place it's stamped with a red ink pad stamper, "Except for Hospital Model" -- anywhere reference was made to using the blower, since it was not accessible in the GH due to the rear filter mounting which IIRC was riveted into the rear of the machine. There is a separate one-page mimeographed instruction sheet for the GH showing how to install the filter.

There was never a manual for the LXI per se. I have a copy of the last version of the LX manual and in a couple of illustrations, the new-style chrome rear end with the halo is shown.