FORMER KIRBY SALESMAN VACUUM AND PARTS FOUND

[aaronjdrumming]

My grandfather use to be a Kirby salesman back in the day. He recently passed away and we went through his garage and found Kirby vacuums and parts. I know nothing about this stuff but I have done some research thanks for this website. I live in Chicago and would like to sell this stuff!

 

[caligula]

Kirby salesman.

Hi Aaronjdrumming:

There were several Kirby dealerships in the Chicago area, and I worked for 3 of them in the course of 20 years. It's quite posible I knew your grandfather. If you have any idea which one he worked for it would help.

I was an assistant training manager for Oak Park Kirby, and training manager at the offices in Addison, and Lombard (Illinois) and knew several dealers.

More info please.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Wow!

Those cleaners saw a good time. They were used and abused. Still, knowing the Kirby name and reputation, I'm sure someone can/will be able to restore them to like new condition.

 

[rainbowd4]

Kirby parts value

Please don't take this the wrong way, or think I'm being rude, because I'm not. I assume you would rather be told the truth. The items in your pictures are still plentiful, and usually in better condition. The tan cloth bag isn't worth fooling with, and is likely molded, and/or rotten. As for the other items, they aren't complete, and really wouldn't be worth anything to anyone. Anyone needing one of those nozzles, can find any number of them on eBay, or a thrift store, etc, in better condition, and the motor units, it depends if they run, or not, they might be used as parts, but again, those aren't hard to find either. You have a motor unit to a classic (1970-1973ish) and a heritage (1981-1984). You would get more money out of it if you took some of it in for scrap metal. It's all cast aluminum, and is pretty hefty. The cord, and handles may be of use to someone, but I wouldn't count on making much, if any money out of it. Good luck with it though, maybe you'll find more items. ☺

 

[rugsucker]

"went through his garage"--"maybe you'll fin

Sorry that your grandfather has died.With his passing and that of other door to door vac salesmen a part of history is gone or at least changed.
As above the items shown don't have great value BUT as you go through other areas of his home you may find more that would.Many here would be very interested in certain repair parts,literature,salesman awards such as plaques,rings,tie pins,desk top items and other as well as pictures of Kirby sales meetings/banquets/showrooms,etc.
Do you Klean with a Kirby?As your grandfathers demos would have shown it was and is one of the best uprghts.