General Electric AVT-805 -Atomic Chrome

[jacqlee]

Can anyone in this forum help me learn something about my General Electric AVT-805 vacuum?
I just tested it this morning and it still runs.

My questions to the group:

1 -The hose and attachments (pictured) seem to fit but since I can't find any information about or photos of this machine, I cant be sure that these were original. Can anyone help with this?

2 - What year is this machine from?

3 - Does anyone own this model? Has anyone seen it before?

4 - I do plan to sell this. Any thoughts on value?

5 - Any other information that you can share?

Thnak you in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[crazykirbydude]

I would say that it's from the 1950s. As far as value goes, it's worth whatever someone will pay for it. If I had to give a guess, I would say around $150-175 if it has most or all of the attachments and is in good working order.

 

[rugsucker]

AVT-805

1.All attachments seem original except blue upholstery nozzle is Hoover and in itself somewhat rare as the blue was one of the first of the new style Hoover atts in mid 50s.There should be 2 straight aluminum wands and an all bristle floor brush similar in style to the rug nozzle.
2.This is one of GEs later tanks before the all new canister of 1952.Also one of the most deluxe.Standard models were very similar but mostly painted with little if any chrome.
3.I had an aunt that had one long ago.It became a carport vac when a Kenmore replaced it and then was gone when I was collecting.I finally found one with no atts that is in my store window looking pretty between a chrome Fairfax & chrome Regina polisher.
4.Value??NOT a $10 vac.I could see this at possibly $100-$200.
5.Comments.-Also seems to have original cord/plug(with wear at machine end).Is bag original & clean(some used paper bags inside the cloth one).Is inside as nice as outside(with no rust/stains/dampness)???

 

[quebecois]

Nice vac! I like those bullet-like machines, with lots of chrome. THey mostly are from the seventy's, just like my Arrow.

 

[lesinutah]

Hmm

I Wonder if it's a sister vacuum for a filtex, airway, royal. IDK but im guessing airway.
Les

 

[jacqlee]

Additional Information

The bag looks good for its age. A little bit of wear where it rubs the metal. There is a paper bag inside the cloth one.

Question for Rugsucker - Do you think it's the original cloth bag?


In my opinion, the inside looks as good as the outside. There is a little rust along the seem but overall, the inside looks like it's in good condition.

I do have a second aluminimum wand

(Additional photos of inside and bag)

 

[rugsucker]

GE

Bag looks original and good(but not perfect).Inside looks good and shows no abuse such as picking up water.The tank styles often had a filter pad between bag and motor.Is it mentioned on instruction sheet?

 

[jacqlee]

I don't see any mention in the Instruction Sheet about a filter pad between bag and motor.

I'm including pics of the Instruction Sheet.

 

[oreck_xl]

I have several of these G.E. Airflo's, not this particular model however. Some of mine have full runners, others (like this one) have the short runners - clearly a cost-cutting touch. I'm almost certain all of mine have a metal rod in the middle of the bag chamber to increase the surface area for the cloth dust bag.

 

[electrolux137]

~
~

And here it is, in all its radiant-chrome glory on eBay, for the "such a deal" opening bid of $199.99.

Good luck with that.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/313022108662

 

[rugsucker]

"Good luck--"

This seller has found a rare and near complete vacuum in good condition.She has made it available not just to her local area but nationwide.I would rate it in a top 10 of tank vacs along with 1939 & 1948 Montgomery Ward,Universal with 'Tattle Tale' light,Brooks Stevens Modern Hygiene,etc.It even has the even more rare instructions and original bags with their instructions.She has good pictures with no background clutter and good description that also explains she is not a vac expert.Her other EBay items show a mix of interesting things that seem quality with seemingly reasonable starting prices.She has good feedback.As many sellers of vintage items should she has done research including here.
If a potential buyers or buyers should want to pay this or higher price so be it.If not I have recently seen collectable vacs that were priced at the upper limit of their value and later a reasonable offer was accepted.
So I would say-Good Luck!

 

[jacqlee]

Thank You

Thanks to all on this thread for sharing your thoughts!

And special thanks to Rugsucker for all the guidance (and for your last post).

Now I'll be on the lookout for a "1939 & 1948 Montgomery Ward,Universal with 'Tattle Tale' light,Brooks Stevens Modern Hygiene".


Best to all!