General Electric AV-17 questions?

[texbodemer]

Hi!

I'm working out the purchase of a GE AV-17 upright vacuum, and have several questions.

1. How many pieces does the handle disassemble into?
2. How big is the handle (length especially)
3. When restored, would it have a mirrored finish?
4. When was it made? Serial number is AV-17 6577

 

[rugsucker]

GE

Looks good with original bag,cord,plug.To start answering questions handle is 1 piece.Top could be fragile and would need careful packing.Should look good and shiny after restoration.

 

[portable]

Yes, it would have had a shiny finish. There were several variations of the 17. Here's a breakdown from GE's manufacturing list, which ONLY shows the dates LAST manufactured:
AV-17 1940
AVF-17A 1948
AVF-17AB 1948
AVF-17NYS 1947
AVF-17S 1947
I know of what 2 of these are: the AVF-17S was a 2-speed (some of the others might have been too); the AVF-17NYS was also known as "The Skyline" and sometimes labeled as only "NYS" for model number - the tan bag had a logo of a large city skyline on it, as did the attachment converter port in front.
Models varied in colors. The 17S I owned had a maroon-striped motor cover and attachment port cover, and a maroon bag.