Electrolux Salesman's case, 1928-29

[dirtmaster37]

It's rare that I receive much anymore that warrants me posting here. I mean I do receive things other than this particular machine I'm about to link you to; But nothing THIS special or RARE. I use this word in this particular case, because it's just that VERY rare. And I hate that word when it's applied to most vacuums usually. This one VERY much applies. Like to a Electric Suction Sweeper model Zero.

A few days back, a long time resident, and patron of the main store of the company I work for, brought in this Salesman's case, containing the VERY first model of Electrolux ever sold in the USA to my understanding The Model V?.

Not the VERY first ONE ever, but the first in my area. This was the original salesman's , either very first or very last unit he received of this model. Although he (the grandson of the first Electrolux dealer in Washtenaw County) thinks it was the LAST one he got before going onto the new improved Electrolux around 1930 ish?. Anyway, I was told of it, and figured that it was just a Model 30 XXX, with the tool holder on top, like most of have seen heretofore.
But, ( again the details were sketchy, and coming from someone who really didn't care about the history of it honestly) both the grandson, and well the guy downtown who took it in for me.

I opened up the case after it was brought to me, I was told by the boss he got it for me for FREE; and was beyond blown away at what I saw when I popped the case open for the first time. My boss laughed at me, because a squeal, and deep breath came out of me as he watched my open it. GOD was I stunned. It needed little to no work, except to clean up bit's of mouse crap, and fluff that clearly was the fault of the hopefully long dead mouse. that was in the bottom of the box. It was gone BTW damn mouse.. Just the remnants. As I slowly looked over this amazing thing that was in front of me, I got the chills up my back that this indeed was incredibly special, and needed shared for sure.

I took video only, for now, as videos are a bit more special, and personal. And, well I can share my enthusiastic feeling with you as I re-opened the case for you all here for the second time. after a bit of staging. Not much tho.

Okay, just watch. Tell me in the comments...

Did I just hit the jackpot. Methinks I may have..

P.S. It's not for sale.

Don't ask.

Chad

YOUTUBE is a pos and wont let me fix the fact that part one is labled part two, and vice versa.

http://https//youtu.be/QgqmomqM8lo

 

[dirtmaster37]

And Part 2

This is part two, labled part one.

http://https//youtu.be/Be-3e2f7zwQ

 

[vacuumlad1650]

CHAD!
Congrats! I know your going to cherish this one of years...
A

 

[caligula]

Great find.

I've also got an Electrolux model V (5) but mine isn't in as good condition. As to the metal hose shown in part 2 it's the original one for that model which ran from 1924 - 1927. I believe the black braided hose was originally for a Kirby 505.

If you need further info on this contact me at [email protected] and I'll send you what I have.

Alex Taber.

 

[electrolux137]

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WOW what an incredible find! And the price certainly was right!!


 


The gray and black braided hose was original to the earliest version of the Model XI. Later into the run of the XI, the machine-end connection was made to screw into the front cover. At one time I had two XIs, one with the stick-in connector and one with the screw-in. I still have the screw-in version. You can see that machine in the link below.



http://1377731.com/luxxi/

 

[electrolux137]

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Here's a section of my web site about the Model V...



http://1377731.com/luxv

 

[electrolux137]

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And finally, this section covers the Models V ~ XII.



http://1377731.com/lux/luxvxii.html

 

[dysonman1]

Congratulations. That's the earliest version, probably only '24 or '25, since it has the removable runners. The hole just front of the rear cover is the oil hole. It's spring loaded, so push the spout of the oil can down, and you can oil the sleeve bearing. What a great, mint find.

 

[dirtmaster37]

Update on the Salesman's Electrolux...

So I am in a conundrum. Ill get to that in a second.

I have pretty much went thru this machine with a comb, polished up a few things, and, have read thoroughly Charles's links he sent me. Here are a coupe of things that Im just going to put out there for any of you to kindly anser, and or instruct.

I will be restoring this to as close to bone stock as I can. This is my supreme want. What I need to understand from any who wishes to help one get there,is this:

"What type of plug was used with the Model V, or 525".

Was it a round screw in style like earlier cleaners? Or was it flat blade by then.

I have learned by internet searching that the flat blade, dual prong style plugs were being used pretty much by everyone, or close to , and were being touted as the best thing in the mid to late teens. This being from 1925, should have had the blades Im thinking.

Is that plug on it at present, the correct one?

The cord that is on there now has too many crumbly spots where bare wire is showing from the original sheathing.I'm not plugging it in as is. NO-per, not happening. If I electrocute myself, I like it to be a surprise. Not on purpose.

That said, What would one use to replace it with?

I am fine with purchasing SUNDIAL wire, and using that. It's pretty much the closest thing to finding NOS, and is available in appropriate colors.

How would you proceed, if given my circumstances.

The metal hose.

One had figured it was the original to the cleaner. It's totally f-u-b-a-r'ed, and has NO suction. One put Miele Red Star bench vac to one end, and felt nothing out of the other except for a VERY light VERY light touch of suction. One in no way could ever use this.



I do have the light grayish later hose that believe it or no still has some thunk to it. I'm not sure if it would ever pass the Roger Prohl test, but it might get a passing mark.

Would one just leave that alone as it's priceless and now total unobtainable, and use the other one? Has anyone ever tried to re-rubber an inner hose like that? Like with plastidip? Or STOP SON!!! Don't be an idiot and ruin it forever, and just keep it as a pretty pretty.

(This will NOT be a daily use, or hell even monthly use unit. But I would like the suction to kinda make it out to the tools!~~)

What would one do?

Charles, thank you ever so for linking your pages to me. As you heard one is sure one referenced you, as the guru. I have learned much from your works over time, and respect you. I was hoping to have you provide, some info for me. And Voila', there were your links. Much appreciated. Truth be told you were the first person that popped in my mind when I cracked open that case for the first time. Thought, man Mr. Lester would just die if he saw this. Truly.

Tom, one thought of you as well. It's not often that we are able to see early equipment in such a light. The oil used? Any ideas? Again the machine has yet to be fired up due the cord issues. Any ide'ers??


Thanks everyone for your kind comments. One will take some actual pictures soon, and will post them. I think a video of it running after cord restoration will be happening. And will post for sure!!


Chad

 

[kirbylux77]

Chad

Congratulations for stumbling across something so rare! I am a bit envious of you . I am sure this is something you will cherish in your collection for years to come.

About the hose....So, we know the metal hose is original, & the grey hose is probably a replacement from the 20's or 30's. If you were going to try & make a usable hose for the Electrolux, why not use the ends from the black hose? After all, you did say in your video you thought it was a old Rexair hose & not a original hose or even a replacement. This would be your safest bet, since you would regret if something did happen to the grey hose & it got ruined.

Best of luck with the restoration.

Rob

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Hey Chad I've got your cord ready here. I'll get that to you next time we get together.
A

 

[electrolux137]

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I agree with Rob's comments about the hose. I am pretty sure that is not an old Kirby hose; I've never seen one like it. The rubber cuffs might indicate that it's a generic "fit-all" hose from a vac shop.

As to your kind comments about my site ... Back in the Dark Ages of the Internet in 1992, when I was the "only kid on the block" with a graphic Internet connection, I put up a kludgy site on CompuServe (which had an impossibly long URL!). I devoted my web site to my interests: vacuum cleaners, music, pipe organs, family, pets, humor and UFO Lore.


 


Regarding vacuum cleaners, my plan was to put up a history of vacuum cleaners. Since then my site has grown like the Winchester Mystery House with many tacked on rooms, corridors and hidden chambers. One of these days I'll put it all in order... Maybe!

Meanwhile, my heart is always gladdened when I hear that my site has benefited someone. That's why it's there.


 


(See more about our early computers in the Household Department.)


 

[this post was last edited: 3/16/2017-15:14]