Rarer Than You Might Think
In October of 2005, I sold, on eBay, a Hoover Lark Model 12, complete with converter and tool set, extensively restored. I do not wish to unduly influence the current auction for the model 12, so I will refrain from mentioning the final sale price until after the close of the current auction. Let's just say that I was, to say the least, blown away! The opening bid was, if I recall, $49.00.
Here is the description I used:
VINTAGE 1955 HOOVER LARK VACUUM MODEL 12 WITH TOOLS
Thank you for considering a bid on this fifty-year-old example of Hoover’s agile upright vacuum, the “Lark” model 12.
The model 12 replaced the larger model 29 as Hoover’s “popularly priced” upright cleaner in 1953. Not only was it less expensive than the model 63 but it was significantly lighter weight and easier to maneuver and store in small apartments and by owners who might not be able to lift and push a larger machine. It weighs 13 pounds 11 ounces, whereas the full-sized 63 tipped the scales at 18 and a half pounds. The Lark 12 was produced between 1953 and 1956 with serial numbers from 8,570.001 to 8,757,772. This machine has serial number 8,754,956, placing it near the end of the model run, whence I surmise a production date of 1955. The 12 was replaced by the 14, identical in all ways to the 12 except for finish color and possibly the material used for the outer bag.
The Lark 12 is equipped with Hoover’s type-C disposable filter bag concealed within the snazzy, deep red with silver thread and screen printed, fabric outer bag.<p> The Lark 12 and Lark 14 shared the same tool set, the powder blue model 1400 “Cleaning Tools.” One such set is included with this vacuum. It struck me as odd that a red-finished machine like the 12 should be fitted with a set of blue tools, but, advertising art from the period confirms that the combination is true to Hoover history. The tool set comes to you in its original corrugated cardboard storage box. The box itself is in just good condition. There is some evidence of age and wear. The tools set itself is in excellent condition. All components have been disassembled and cleaned. Included within is:
• An “Ultraflex” hose. It is wire reinforced and vinyl covered with aluminum fittings at either end. The tool end of the hose has a built-in curved extension tube with Hoover’s first use of the latch-on-hose connector system, this one all-metal with a vinyl sleeve matching the blue of the hose and tools. The hose stretches from 6 feet to 12 feet in length.
• A 22 inch straight extension tube, again with color-coordinated metal latch.
• An all-purpose dusting and upholstery brush with natural bristles, blue vinyl body and metal collar
• A hard-pressed fiber/cellulose crevice tool with blue finish (there are some scratches on this piece)
• A cast metal hose converter. Refer to the photos to see how it is installed.
The data plate on the underside of the motor reads as follows (excluding the patent information):
The Hoover Cleaner Model 12
10 to 115 Volts DC to 45 Cycles
105 to 120 Volts 46 to 60 Cycles, 245 Watts
The Hoover Cleaner Makes Rugs last Longer.
The Hoover Company, North Canton, Ohio.
I completely disassembled this vacuum cleaner. Every SPEC of dust and dirt was removed from every part, crevice, nook and cranny of the machine AND the bag. The bag, bellows, tube, fan chamber, fan, agitator and agitator housing were thoroughly sanitized. All mechanical and electrical parts were inspected for breakage and or wear and were repaired, lubricated, cleaned or replaced as necessary.
A new belt is installed on the agitator. Incidentally, the agitator has been fitted with new-old-stock, genuine Hoover brushes.
The electrical cord itself has been replaced. The new cord is VERY close to the original in color AND I was able to surgically remove the original “HOOVER” embossed plug and reinstall it on the new cord. The cord now measures 25 feet long.
The painted finishes and vinyl bumper are original and unrestored except for having been cleaned and polished. There is some scratching of the paint as is shown in the photographs. The paint around the grip area of the handle has worn off, exposing the metal underneath, typical of most fifty year old painted metal handles.
This Hoover, may weigh almost 14 pounds, but, like its brethren, it is so well balanced and designed that it seems to float across the carpet with almost no effort, even though it is NOT equipped with a power drive device. Also, and true of all traditional uprights, the handle exerts almost no downward pressure on the user's arm while in operation! Compare this to ANY of the new machines on the market today. The machine is rare indeed that DOESN'T force the user to continually support 8 to 12 pounds of tools, hoses, cyclonic filter systems, cord winders and MOTORS!
I think you will be impressed by how well it cleans with only 245 watts of power. It is hardly silent but earplugs are not needed.
In conclusion this Lark 12 is a prime candidate for a collectors bevy of Hoovers OR to be put into regular, full-time service for cleaning a small house or apartment, reliably and well, for years to come.
Thank you very much for considering this auction.
I am a hobbyist who loves to restore vintage appliances. I am confident that the restored vacuums I offer for sale are in excellent working order and, in the case of this Hoover, may be used for day-to-day cleaning if the purchaser so wishes. Nonetheless, as a hobbyist, I am not in a position to offer any guarantees other than that the machine is as described above. Therefore, please understand that ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
Place cord and cord protector in cord support clip with large end of protector down and rounded side of protector against the handle. Place the large end of protector in lower end of cord support and tighten the clamp nut.
