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Ben

I have all the blue trim off eBay. I have a square emtor with y bag setup. I just haven't assembled it yet.
The trim is out there.
Les
 
I do like Kirby but

I like so many different brands vintage Hoover and current Miele and others
 
What a great thread. Enjoyed the pictures BUT I did have to re read the post about Kirby in the 1930's. When I re read your post, I realized you were referring to the beauty of the polished aluminum. When I first read it , I thought you were saying the 1930's Kirby would clean better than the Hoover. I think I would still put my money on a Hoover 150 out cleaning a Kirby in the 1930's. Really great shots. Always pays to re read a post-haha!
The Kirby was a very interesting and advanced machine of it's day.
 
Kirby Kudos to Adam for his 1C polishing & to you, Tom, for your Kool Kirby Kollection!
 
You have a great Kirby collection! They are my favorite too. I love the way the older ones sound.

Are vacuums with the aluminum finish like the Vac-u-Ette Electric supposed to be polished to a shine or did they come dull from the factory? I always wondered if it would hurt the value to polish them to a mirror finish because I wasn't sure if they originally came that way or not. They certainly look a lot better polished.

That pic with the first Kirby next to the Avalir is perfect!
 
Nice

You have the original bags for cb2 and cb3. There usually pretty tattered. Your heritage doesn't have any sag on the bag. Excellent display just like a museum display.
Les
 
Kenny

The Classic (Omega) was given to me by Adam Mercer. I had the Classic and the Omega but both never made it to the new Museum when we moved. This particular one was rebuilt by the Kirby Company decades ago. The rebuild tag says it's a "CB". Once again, thanks to the Kirby Guru, Adam Mercer, for his kind gift. The Classic III and the Heritage 1 have never been used, although they have been turned on for photos.
 
That Omega motor unit sure looks like a Classic 1CR, as it has the shorter headlight cap and as mentioned, the shorter, non-ribbed 1CR headlight trim. If the plug on the back is vertical then it would be a 1CR. There are other small distinct differences also.

Either way, the same fact holds true - they are all beautiful machines - all of them in this thread. Shined up metal and cleanliness is what makes the difference. Such small works of art for such a utilitarian purpose! And they are still around to this day - quality construction and easy to repair and restore. All the reason I have too many.
 
Can you tell me

which model Kirby came with the rosewood inlaid handle and the darker brown ribbed headlight trim and handle and bag trim? I'm thinking it's the last of the browns before the stunning red "classic 111?"
 
Classic

1cr classic was the first 16 inch Kirby. It had dark brown trim. The easiest way to tell is the back motor housing where the power switch and power cord connected. The classic does not have a trim plate as it's switch cord setup is unique. The 1cb omega with the brown bade plate over power switch and cord connection. The headlight on cr1 was same bulb ad d80. The omega first headlight and headlight assembly encased the underside of the headlight. It was the first model to have ports on the side of the nozzle for the shag king.
The 2cb or classic 3 was the third classic but second cb model. Its red trim and almost identical body to the omega. Its popular as people who love red more than brown. The is a bag topper that reads classic 3 in white lettering.
The tradition 3cb was last 3cb model and it's not a classic model. Its the vacuum between classic 3 and herritage. It has first Kirby bag disposable bag setup. The Kirby type 1 bag. I like and guessing it's even more popular than the classic 3. I really like blue and it's color scheme and styling is arguably the best looking vacuum they made.
The classic had dark brown, classic omega light brown both classics had wood grain. Classic 3 is red and the last classic. The tradition is the last cb model and is blue.
Les
 

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