Is This an Extremely old vac plug?

[jimjimmunster]

Earlier this week we were looking around an estate sale and I came across a very interesting early screw in plug. I'm guessing it may go with a very early cleaner... It is marked Benjamin. I am unsure if this goes with an early machine, but it highly resembles an early hoover plug. Just wondering if it goes with a Hoover.

 

[kirbysthebest]

My Grossen had those at her house.

Way back when, houses were wired just for lights.  They didn't imagine, or have the forethought of the slew of electrical appliances that would come forth.


 


So if you wanted to plug something in like an Iron, or vacuum, you had to unscrew a light bulb and use one of these adapters to plug into the light fixture.


 


I remember once, my Aunt was doing some ironing at Grossen's  house before their anniversary party.  She was going to use a chair to reach the light socket so she told my uncle "Stand up so I can plug in." 


"I don't know" said my uncle  "I'm not sure if I'm A/C or D/C."


 

 

[coffeecanman]

This isn't merely an adapter, this is an early socket plug. I have several Hoovers and an early Apex with theses on them. The model 105 was the last to use a socket plug, as far as Hoover is concerned. Socket plugs were used in lieu of blade plugs like we use today, until around 1920, depending on the manufacturer. As stated above, most homes were only wired for electric lighting in the early 1900s, electric appliances were quite new. Therefore, one had to unscrew a light bulb to use an appliance. I have several percolators, irons, and fans with these as well. Once appliances started coming standard with blade plugs, one could get an adapter which was basically a socket plug with a female blade receptacle. You've probably seen these around. Benjamin is just a brand of electrical items, like Leviton, Eagle, Hubbel, etc.

On another note, I'm always looking to buy these, so if you don't need it, give me a shout and we can work something out.

 

[jimjimmunster]

Id Sell it, No Use For Me...

BEAUTIFUL Hoover collection up there. Id sell you the plug. just make an offer.