Kirby 509- how much are they worth?

[kirbylover]

I got an email response from an ad I put locally.

"Hello,
I have Kirby model #509 that was purchased in 1961 (I have a reciept). It's in working condition but the hose is dry. "

"It has attachments.Looks like new. Give me an offer."


She ended up deciding on a final $ number (but I want to see what you all think it is worth). I have to clarify and see if it is in fact a 509 (they were made earlier) or if it is a 519 or something.

I might go look at it but need your guys opinions!

 

[electrolux~137]

 


 


 


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">There are SO MANY variables feeding into value, but some primary considerations would be:</span>


 


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;"> -- overall condition of appearance and housing: brand new in the box vs. pulled out of a sewer</span>


 


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">-- performance: runs like a top or sounds like a jackhammer running amok</span>


 


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">-- originality: does all the trim, cord, bag., etc. match, or are there bits in every color Kirby ever made?</span>


 


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">-- completeness of attachments: Is the attachment kit complete and original with a beautiful hose, or are there a dozen mismatched pieces and a hose that looks like it met its final destination on train tracks?</span>


 


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">-- provenance: was the machine owned by a celebrity or person of public interest?
</span>


 


<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">You get the idea...</span>


 


 


 

 

[electrolux~137]

 


 


 


<strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">P.S.: The 509 was sold in 1949. If the seller has a receipt from 1961 it's either a rebuilt machine, or else the receipt is from a newer model and not the 509. The 1961 model was the 561.</span></strong>


 


<strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">
</span></strong>

 

[kirbylover]

Lets assume it has been kept in a closet or dry basement most of it's life, has normal oxidation on the aluminum and some wear but overall complete and original. (I'm making this up have not seen pics or anything).

Would there be much difference in price between 509 and 519? Also if the sticker happens to be gone, (stupid question) what would be the way to determine the model (by serial number??) I know very little about pre-Classic Kirbys.

 

[ralph]

Electrolux~137 has made an wonderful history of the 500 series Kirby site and he gives a link to it in this thread:

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?12795

 

[ralph]

For quick and dirty reference a 509 Kirby should look like these first three images. The fork is very narrow, the switch housing is attached to the main motor housing, and the logo will look like the third picture below.

 

[ralph]

small fork

 

[ralph]

early belt lifter logo. The wheels and bag are not correct for this vacuum, but some day...

 

[ralph]

a 519 will look more like my 518, note that the switch is not bolted onto the motor housing.

 

[ralph]

You can see the larger fork and the later style belt lifter in this image...

 

[twocvbloke]

It's worth as much as you are willing to pay once you have investigated it and confirmed the model/age...

 

[kirbylover]

Thanks for those pics Ralph! Gives me a much better idea of what to look for.

According to one site the 516 (1956) was the first to get that "streamlined" motor housing, so that would be the first give away.

I'll keep you posted, I'm hoping to get to look at it today once she emails me back.

 

[normvac]

Early Kirby 509,510,512

Just to put this out there. Yes, I am trying to reduce my collection due to space and retirement. Then on the other hand, there is one more Kirby that I would like to have for my "Final 20 or less". If anyone has or finds a decent 509,10 or 12 Kirby that they would like to trade for something I may have on my Sell list to go.
Even if you want the cash, let me know ! It does NOT have to be all org. It would
be nice but at the least decent running shape. So let me know directly at [email protected] if there is a possibility out there.
Norm Brown

 

[kirbylover]

I bought it!!

It's a 510 purchased 1951. I will make a new thread with pictures and details later.




Norm: I didn't find this vac, but rather it found me! I posted an ad on kijiji (same thing as craigslist) "Wanted kirby vacuums" (you get the idea). i got my Heritage 84 and this one by that alone!