Electrolux Model XXX Questions

[kevin]

Following are some photos of Electrolux Model XXX attachments (and a front end that I have never seen before). I am taking for granted that the flip-over tools are different versions of different eras. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Otherwise, what is the order of their manufacture?

#1

 

[kevin]

#2

 

[kevin]

#3

 

[kevin]

Also, I'm taking for granted that the black crevice tool was the only crevice tool for the Model XXX. Is that right? And, was there a slightly different design of ones for the LX through the Model R? To me they look different.

 

[kevin]

Here is a different front end of a Model XXX than I have ever seen. Is it original, or has it been changed?

 

[suckolux]

Guessing here, many better at this, but I think it was an adapter to use bags, or wrappers as they called them.An update

 

[hoovercelebrity]

I believe there have been been previous discussions about the various Electrolux tools, if memory serves me. You may try searching the archives?

 

[caligula]

Hi Kevin

The various Electrolux attachments that you show represent several models. The three rug tools went with models XII (12), XXX (30), XX (20), and LX (60). In pic 3, the wands were standard issue from model XI (11) through one of the models after the E automatic, but the exact date I don't know. The bare floor tool was model XII through LXI, and the vaporizer is late 1960's, probably model G, or 1205. The cord I can't tell either as there is no female end, but the plug was made by the Belden cord and cable company located in Chicago at that time. Crevice tools are also late model XI, through the last of the XXX's, and the blue one is most likely XLI. As for the clip-on brush tool, I don't think that's even an Electrolux tool, as I've never seen it, unless it's part of the Model V (5), though I doubt it. The ride on tool holder was called the 'Companion,' and was introduced around 1948 for the model XXX, but redesigned for the LX, and LXI, after which, the attachments were redesigned as combination tools. And Finally, the front cover assembly was an optional kit to allow the use of the disposable bags, but not standard issue by Electrolux.


 


I think you would enjoy reading the posts in the thread posted by Powermate1970 'Lux 30/xxx tools.' Go to vintage archives and click on January 2013. It's a great thread and will provide you with the history you desire.  


 


Alex Taber

 

[kevin]

Thanks to suckolux, HooverCelebrity, and caligula for responding. I have tried searching for threads on the attachments, but I guess I'm somewhat unique in my manufacture year/era, design, and color questions. Just saying...most seem to be ok with a general idea (for example being ok to have any XXX attachments with any XXX machine), where I tend to be more of a purist (for example--desiring to purchase late '40s attachments for a late '40s machine). I did enjoy reading the January 2013 thread posted by Powermate1970. Lots of cool data!

Following are some photos of dust brushes and combination dust brushes & upholstery tools. Any info. provided will be appreciated as always.

Model S?

 

[kevin]

Model S?

 

[kevin]

Model XXX? Era?

 

[kevin]

Model XXX? Era?

 

[caligula]

Hi Kevin

The dust brush was designed by Gustaf E. Lofgren in 1934 for the model XII, and was used until he introduced the combination dust brush/upholstery tool in 1954. As for the plastic dust brush, it was a temporary replacement during WW11, when metal parts were in limited supply.


 


To help you understand these tools better, I've just scanned in the copies of Electrolux patents I collected in 1975 to 79. The basic floor tool went through several styles and I have scanned in what I have. They range from 1933 to 1947. The last of them was used for the models XXX, LX and LXI. I didn't include the combination rug/floor tool as the patent I have is 1968. I hope this helps.


 


Alex Taber.


 


 

 

[caligula]

Hi Kevin

Here is how a patent works. Once a company like Electrolux, Hoover, Kirby and so on files for a patent on a given part, tool, machine, or the improvement of these, they are givwn permission to produce that tool, however, the term is 'patent pending.' The duration between the date the patent is 'filed' and 'granted,' ranges from a few weeks to several years.


 


Most of the tools used with the various Electrolux models did not change from 1934 to 1954. What did change was the rubber trim, and that changed with the color of each model. The rug tool was the only attachment to go through a series of designs, and these were from 1933 to 47. In addition, certain tools were introduced but had a limited run. The reason for this was WWII, which forced all companies to go into "war production," so the motors that were usually made for a vacuum cleaner became, in Electrolux's words, "motors that fight!" This is why the model XXX had such a long run. Interestingly enough it was on September 11, 1944, that Electrolux was given permission by the War Production board to resume, on a limited basis, manufacturing vacuum cleaners for sales to the American people. It was also around this time that Gustaf E. Lofgren thought up the idea of the self ejecting dust bag, which would become the model LX.


 


So it all began with the little dusting brush for the model XII, which is shown here.


 


Alex Taber.  

 

[caligula]

Hi Kevin

Here is the patent information on the combination dusting/upholstery tool. Again, from the model E, it did not change, only the color which followed that of the various models.

 

[caligula]

Hi Kevin

second page.

 

[caligula]

Hi Kevin

Here's another design for the upholstery tool. As for the vacuum cleaner, that's the model XX (20) which had a limited run. There are several theories on this, and nobody is sure which is true. Some say it was the machine designed to follow the XXX but the war broke out, and this was the machine sold during the war. Another story is that Electrolux didn't feel it measured up and brought back the XXX. My friends Charles Richard Lester, Tom Gasko and I all have our ideas, but none of us know for sure. Even the date of production is a blur, as are the attachments that went with it. The tool shown here might well be a variation of the teardrop shaped tool posted on the thread Lux 30/XXX tools. Your guess is as god as mine.

 

[caligula]

Hi Kevin.

The next four posts are the only patents of the rug tool I have in my files. Charles Richard Lester has a whole list of patents, and might be able to fill in what I don't have, but this will give you the basic information.

 

[caligula]

Hi Kevin.

2 of 4.