Kirby Heritage worth?

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Hi,

As has wisely been stated before, a vintage item is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

For example, although i have heard good things about the Kirby models 1HC/Heritage and 1HD/Heritage 84 I do not care to own one--or at least to pay much for one as I am not a huge Kirby fan (albeit I might buy one for a small price at a garage sale or a thrift store). So a Heritage is not worth much to me.

On the other hand, there are individuals who are very interested in anything with a Kirby label--and some even have a fondness for those manufactured in different eras or decades such as the 1980s. To them a Heritage may be worth much more.

That being said, a vintage cleaner's overall condition--including its motor, bag, wheels, bumpers, et cetera--along with its contents such as an owner's manual, cartons, and attachments could increase or decrease the interest of a potential buyer.

This is why you will see such a wide spectrum of prices for vintage items online or offline.

In closing I quote Margaret Wolfe Hungerford (née Hamilton), who wrote many books, often under the pseudonym of 'The Duchess'. In her novel MOLLY BAWN, published in 1878, there's the line "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" (the earliest form of which can be traced to the Greeks in
3 B. C.).
 
Check past sales on eBay

eBay asking prices range from dirt cheap to totally insane, but if you check previous sales, you'll see what they actually sold for, which in the aggregate, is a pretty good indicator of their worth. As the previous poster noted, many factors can greatly affect the value. One he did not mention is what accessories, if any, are bundled with it and whether said accessories are in their original boxes.

That said, a 1HD in excellent condition with a brand new new fan and no attachments was up on eBay last month for $42 plus shipping. I think the turn key price was a shade under $70. I watched it for a couple of weeks out of idle curiosity since I have one in similar condition, albeit with its original fan. I stopped following it before it sold.

I got my 1HD from my dad. He picked it up at Goodwill and knowing him, I doubt he paid much more than $20 or so for it.

I now have three Kirbys. In addition to the 1HD, I have a G5 and a G6. They're all fine machines that will last a lifetime with a modicum of TLC.
 
My price spectrum on Kirbys of that type, from as low as 5, not running, needed new plug, but no attachments to 70, like new loads of tools.
 
It all depends on the condition, and what comes with it.

I have sold several Kirbys through craigslist. I think the most I ever got for a Heritage 2 was $35. That was in excellent condition but without the tools. I also sold a Heritage for $30 in OK condition, and a Legend for $35. All were without the tools.
 
Lars,

The Heritage 1HD originally used Style 2 disposable bags. You can change to the adapter that allows you to use the Style 3 and Micron Magic disposable bags, however.

But. . . I should point out that all Kirbys from the Tradition up to the Legend II could be optioned with a shake-out bag.

Rarer yet is another option: the 13" nozzle as used on the Heritage, Heritage II (Legend) and Legend II. I have one for the Heritage II.

~Ben

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