Got a Brand New BISON

[kirbyguy]

Well guys,

My search for a Bison has ended as of today.

I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to Fred for allowing me to purchase this brand new amazing and rather unique machine from his personal extensive vintage vacuum collection.

I saw a Bison on YouTube a few weeks ago, and I just had to have one to add to my collection. For what ever reason this machine didn't sell on eBay and Fred was kind enough to let me know it was still available for purchase.

I very much enjoyed meeting Fred and seeing his extensive collection of pristine condition vintage machines.

Thanks again Fred.

 

[compactelectra]

Guy

Glad to have the machine go to a good home and to someone who appreciates it.  That machine is unusual and somewhat rare especially in that condition with the box.  It was nice to meet you as well.  Nice to meet another collector in town.  That Lux upright is definitely available.  Just let me know.


 


Some of you may wonder why I am thinning the herd.  I have decided to make a change in lifestyle and put Tarantula Arms up for sale and move to a townhouse much closer into the city.  I probably would have done this sooner, but as you know, the market has not been great for real estate sales.  I work in downtown Chicago now and want to move back to my hometown.  I love this house, but it is time for a change.  I have finally convinced Charlie and Tania that is it time to move.  When I first floated the idea, Tania said "You can't sell our house!"  I have convinced her that it is the right thing to do and that the new "Tarantula Arms" will be a nice as the old one, albeit different and more urban.


 


So, I will have many vacuums for sale.  If you know of any in my collection that you are interested in, let me know.   I will publish a list.  Ebay is a pain.   I am keeping some of them, so if you ask and I say no, not to worry.  I have to get four rooms of vacuums down to one.  My loss will be your gain.

 

[rugsucker]

Bison trivia

Looks great!Green was polished with PTO in rear for floor polisher.Brown was painted.Anyone know other differences?Rare find would be tie for top salesmen fron bag(green)material.A former Bison salesman is now known as Dog the Bounty Hunter!

 

[kirbyguy]

Dog?

Jimmy,

Something tells me Duane Chapman wasn't the type of individual who would go schlepping around door to door selling Bison vacuum cleaners.

Like I said. I'm a factual, as opposed to a fictional make it up as I go along kinda guy. Must be that Raymond Burr attatude I acquired studying law.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

He actually did

sell Kirby vacuums door to door it was in one of his shows . He used that as a way to catch someone .

 

[kirbyguy]

Dan

That's a bit of interesting trivia to know.

In further research I also discovered that a guy by the name of Jim Keeler also worked for Bison Vacuum Company and invented a self propelled Bison vacuum cleaner in 1983

So, it appears there are 3 Bison models that were manufactured. The Green Bison 1975 The brown Bison Centurian, not sure of the Centurian production date, and a self propelled Bison vacuum produced in 1983.

It seems there is very limited information available in order to fully research the Bison vacuum cleaner.

 

[rugsucker]

'You Can Run But You Can't Hide'by Duane "Do

Chapman-Hyperion-copyright 2007-first edition(I have an extra copy of this autobiography without dust jacket if anyone needs.)-Page 91-After getting out of prison Duane meets a Kirby salesman who offers a job.Chapter 17 'Selling Kirbys' Page 96-Duane went on his own.Selling Kirbys!Winning trips!Chapter 20 'Salesman of the Year'page 112-Duane was awarded the Presidents Ring Award as 1982 Salesman of the Year.Went to awards banquet in chicago to find that Kirby learned of his past and wanted nothing to do with him.At this time he was youngest factory distributor with $200,000 worth of Kirby inventory.Picture 8(pages not numbered)Copy of newspaper clipping of 1-8-80 showing Duane at bench with a pre-Heritage Kirby.Picture 9-original Kirby card.--It was after this that 'Dog' found Bison and worked with a friend of mine who had a vacuum store in the west that was also a Bison service center.He supplied 'Dog' with machines and parts.I have heard some of this first hand but this part of the story his to tell if he chooses.(My friend,now in the east,has the only green Bison tie I have seen.)---Just like Dragnet.Just the FACTS!---I truly have no hard feelings and congradulate you on the brown Bison.But if I,or others,state that Dog the Bounty Hunter sold Bison or the grass is green or the Rainbow uses a pan of water or the sky is blue or Burt Reynolds had an Electrolux we may know something of what we speak.Jimmy

 

[rugsucker]

self propelled system

I have seen, but do not have, a VDTA issue of 1984 that offers a SP system to vac dealers for Kirby.I looked as if you changed hand grip on Kirby handle with cable leading to rear wheels on Kirby that looked similar to front wheels on Hover PD DAM.As I recall address was in FL.Anyone seen?Any relation to Bison,also FL?

 

[kirbyguy]

Hey jimmy

I have a friend in Utah who owns vacuum shop. I get most of my vintage Kirby vacuum parts from Kent. I emailed Kent this morning regarding your vintage Kirby bag up at auction. He did take a look at the bag and hopefully he'll be in contact with you.

Also told Kent about the Bison as well. Kent informed me the Bison's had a an MSRP of aprox $1,200 back in the day.

Have a great weekend.