Jim Kirby's Vacuum Collection for Sale

[kc_kirby]

I was a part of a recent journey to Emporia Kansas to check out Jim Kirby's vacuum collection. Jim is in an assisted care facility and really needs to get rid of most of his vacuum collection. Those attending with me were Rick Asquith, Phillip Muller and Kenny Loveland. We each took home a few vacuums but there were a lot that weren't claimed. And the prices were very reasonable. Jim's cousin Russ was there to help Jim as Jim can't get around too easily. Russ is also going to assist in the sale of the vacuums. He asked me to post pics of the remaining vacuums so they can be put in the hands of other collectors. From what I understand, you can not contact Jim directly, you have to go through Russ to communicate with Jim. I don't know how they plan to handle packing/shipping of the vacuums as that was not discussed. I do know that Russ lives in the Kansas City area and the vacuums are in Emporia, KS which is about 3 hours away. So this means if you see a vacuum you like Russ may not be able to get any better pics or better descriptions very easily. I will tell you most of the vacuums were not in A-1 shape and most need work. Some have rust on the bottoms, we think maybe the storage facility flooded a bit to cause this. I believe most of them probably work, but again, they will probably need some tlc to make them look nice. And I do know that Phillip has laid claim to the Bison. If you have any questions about any of it, please contact Russ Denning at [email protected]. I am sure that Russ will have to contact Jim to get pricing or any other info about the vacuums so just remember that. And Jim is in Topeka, which is an hour away from KC so again, communication may not be that quick. I am sure they would prefer if people came to Emporia so they don't have to pack and ship them, I think Russ mentioned something like that. Also, Russ is not a vacuum collector so he knows very little about them.

Chad Cunningham

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32199484@N06/sets/72157625331065184/

 

[briankirbyclass]

Thanks for doing this Chad, and for the pictures! Too bad about those machines getting wet. May be hard or impossible to find replacement parts to some of those machines, if they are rusted beyone repair.

 

[kloveland]

Some rare vacs

Sometimes excessive moisture can cause rust to develop on a concrete floor. I purchased a 63 for myself, which I just love. It did have some minor rust on the rug plate which came right off with sandpaper. Chad, maybe right about the flooding some vacs were worse than others. Don't let me discourage any of you all. Jim had some really rare vacs. I would have taken some more from the pre-war era if I had more space. KL

 

[electrolux~137]

I sent an email to Mr. Denning about the one machine I'm interested in. Here's what I wrote, and I don't mind sharing it since I have a feeling we all pretty much feel the same way:


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Hello Mr. Denning,

I am a vacuum cleaner collector living in Los Angeles. I've known Jim for many years but haven't ever actually met him in person.

I'm sorry he has to give up his collection -- if he is anything like me, his vacuums are very dear and cherished possessions and this surely must be heartbreaking for him. Please let him know he's been in my thoughts ever since I first heard about him having to do this.

Thank you very much for being willing to do this for him. While I am pretty certain he's sorry to be losing his machines, at least he knows they will be going to other collectors who will enjoy and appreciate them.

There is one machine I'm interested in and that is the very "streamlined" looking Eureka upright vacuum cleaner, called the "Challenger." It's the machine with the tan bag right in the middle of the attached photo, just behind the Bissell "Grand Rapids" carpet sweeper.

I understand shipping it to me would be a pain in the butt, but all you would have to do is take it to a UPS store and they would pack it up and ship it. I would of course pay all shipping costs plus whatever Jim wants for the machine.

Best wishes,

Charles Richard Lester

 

[hooverbaby]

Nice machines!

If I lived a little closer, there would be a few machines there of interest to me. As it is I've imported a few to the UK already..but there's one or two in there I'd consider buying if shipping was a possibility..

BTW, sorry to hear that Jim has to get rid of this collection. It can't be a pleasant experience for anyone having to go through this sort of thing.

Stephen

 

[kc_kirby]

Phillip, Kenny and I made another trip to the storage facility to pick a few vacuums we didn't get the first time. There are quite a few still there so if you see something you want contact Russ. Russ asked me what to do with the vacuums that no expresses interest in? I didn't have a very good answer. It would be great if some more collectors could visit the storage place in person and take home what they buy. It's getting close to winter so it may be too late for this year.

 

[athanasius80]

I emailed Russ about the two early Hoovers, no response yet.

 

[2011hoover700]

About those 2 early Hoovers

Which early Hoovers were you after,
I want the hoover 26 but must have it oked with my mom first as I do still live with her.
There are some other cleaners I am interested in that I'll mention in a reply.
Thanks

 

[athanasius80]

I would really like to get the 725 and the 700 would be nice as well.

The 26 is all yours!

 

[commodoremoody]

That brown and tan Eureka Challenger is kind of interesting. I doubt I really need it though.

~Tim

 

[2011hoover700]

I am also thinking about that hoover 1060 also, a commercial hoover model 913 it looks like anyway, those are two more machines I'd like.
Again this is if mom says ok.

 

[djtaylor]

Bison

I'd dearly love to get the Bison, but can't afford it.

 

[MikeKLondon]

HELP Needed UK Fakir Floor Polisher

HI All
Can anyone help I am looking for a vac shop or anyone that can service a Fakir polisher for me, Its been in daily use for 12 years and never any problem but to-day its sounds like the brushes are stating to go. The last vac shop i new of near Croydon closed a few years ago and they had always looked after it. ( It was a sad day when they closed) The company I got it from are somewhere in the North but geting it to them is a big headache and takes to long. Its the only polisher I have had that works. The other polishers I have had just do not do the same job and with 2 dogs that always seem to have muddy paws I need it fixing and fast. Also does anyone know where you can still buy Traffic Wax?

 

[MikeKLondon]

Sorry

Oh dear in my panic i posted the above in here by mistake, Sorry

 

[electrolux~137]

Speaking of which... there was a machine in Jim Kirby's collection I was interested in. I emailed the guy back and forth several times right after this thread was started, got a confirmation it was for sale and we agreed upon a price.

However, I haven't received any further follow-ups from him; indeed my last couple of emails have gone unanswered -- I haven't heard anything at all since before Christmas.

I know he's doing this as a friendly favor for Jim and I do very much appreciate that, but at the same time would like to know the situation. If the machine is no longer available that's fine, but would like to know so I don't keep waiting to find out.

 

[akabent]

Paging athanasius80

Hi there. I, too, live in O.C. E-mail me if you might care to talk or meet over coffee. We're practically neighbors!
Rick