Catalogues
Anthony
Thanks for taking the trouble to scan these - its great information. Note to readers though, the prices shown are NOT typical prices, catalogues (exception Argos) always have higher prices - its how they funded the "interest free" credit.
In reply 27, I would date that from around 1985 or perhaps 1986 - that freedom model continued until that year, even in the "regular" Hoover range.
I knew Doug would love to see those old Goblins badged as Spinney

It was an arrangement they kept up into the Housemaid upright series

As regards the 1966/67 Mid range (middle B) I would venture that to be by Siroma too as it has a designation only one up from the Siroma model. What looks to be the same model (at around the right price too) was tested by Which in 1968 but it was branded as Regina, as in the US company Regina, but manufactured in the UK.
As for 1961, better get those glasses tested mate, as the only thing it has in common with the Connie is the hose! The style of tools shown were first seen on the 402 in 1948. When the 417 was introduced it has the "Aerodyne" style floor nozzle that the later Connie had as well as the familiar hard floor nozzle that carried on from the 638 onwards. From memory it had the same dusting nozzle too, although it did have an upholstery nozzle rather then the general purpose brush that was on the Connie 822 and 822a.
When the Connie was introduced the 417 was "de-featured" becoming a much more budget model and it reverted back to the earlier style of tools although actually there was not much of a price difference between the two models. It was only the next series (the one shown is the 417E, the next one being 417G) that the tools were standardised with the rest of the range although its had a Hooverette style combo floor nozzle until the mid 1960s or so. At some point along the way the colour scheme was updated so the "G" was the same colour - the most obvious difference, apart from the tools, was the use of a red rocker switch in place of the step on switch.
Speaking of Hooverette, for US readers this was our version of the later series Lark, only ours always had a handle and used a Dustette/Pixie sliding switch.
Of course the thing that leaps out is that the Hoover range is virtually identicial, apart from styling differences between 1961 and 1972. The orange 427 is just an update of the earlier model 417. Although it looks superficially similar to the 427 Harlequin (the tartan one) they are completely different, the 427 being physically shorter than the 429.
I could (and probably will!) rant on some more, but that's it for now. Thanks again Anthony
Al