Kirby 1C

[vacmadman]

I finally added a Kirby 1C to my collection. This is a Kirby model C from around 1935. This is the model C after the light was added commonly known as the 1C.

 

[dysonman1]

Congratulations. What a wonderful machine. I was of the opinion that the brass nameplate went with the C and the black nameplate went with the 1C. I think Chicago Mike told me that. In any event, you have a wonderful piece of American history right there.

 

[vacmadman]

Thanks

Thanks Tom!

You're right the model 1C did come with the first black belt cover, the brass one was the first with the Kirby name, from the model C. Having said that I'm willing to bet that the very first 1C's did come with this brass belt cap before it was updated. I'm glad this has the first Kirby belt cap, or badge. Mike did make some very nice reproduction copies of the early black belt caps.

Jim

 

[suckolux]

I'm taking the trouble to log in for this one, that is pretty! Very nice

 

[mjhoshaw]

What a beauty!

Thanks for sharing. I don't collect Kirby but I have great appreciation for it and all the historical brands.

 

[vacmadman]

Thanks

Joel and David,

Thanks so much for the kind words, and compliments.

Jim

 

[sopranojam85]

Does the belt cover just twist off?

 

[vacmadman]

No

Callie,

The Kirby C belt cap pop's off by pulling on the tab at the bottom of the cap.

Jim

 

[vacmadman]

Something I noticed

My Kirby 1C did come with the first Kirby belt cap before it was updated not the second black belt cap based on the fact that my 1C nozzle doesn't have the notches at the top and bottom of the 1C belt cap hole. Look closely in picture #2 you can see the notch at the top of the belt cap hole. The Kirby 1C with the second black belt cap had a notch at the top and bottom of the belt cap hole, one at 12 o'clock, and one at 6 o'clock. My Nozzle seen in picture #1 has no notches.

Side note: I used KirbyCollector's cover photo for comparison picture #2. [this post was last edited: 4/23/2022-10:48]

 

[myvacsrock]

Hey Jim,


Did Mike Balda make that reproduction bag for your gorgeous machine? 


If not, might I ask who did? Thanks!

 

[vacmadman]

Hey Kyle,

This bag came on a Kirby 2C I bought for parts on eBay. It was made for the smaller Emptor and is made of black duvetyn like the 505 bag, not corduroy. I was told that this is a "BoeJohn" bag I don't know who made it, and I have never seen another.

Great to hear from you.

Jim

 

[vacmadman]

My Bad

Kyle,

I meant to say... I was told this was a "BoJack bag". I think that was the term, not boeJohn LOL!!

Jim

 

[lesinutah]

Nice

Early model C. Youtube has a video from kirbyvacs and more has a model c with no headlight but the brass cap.

 

[lesinutah]

Nice

Early model C. Youtube has a video from kirbyvacs and more has a model c with no headlight but the brass cap.

 

[gmkubancsek]

Stunning

Stunning Vacuum- beautiful work.