Kirby model 508

[odavid123]

Here is a beautiful Kirby Vacuum Model 508 from 1948 ! This particular unit came from a neighbor of Mr Kirby himself . It came in a box with all the goodies but needed some TLC.

*Bag in the pic is a reproduction I made. I’ll post another pic with the original bag ,attachments ,boxes etc. soon.

 

[vacmadman]

Interesting

David,

What a great looking 508 one of my favorite Kirby's. I noticed the handle fork is different from other early Kirby's. I have the same fork from a 508 I restored and had never seen another until now...very cool. Here are the before and after pics of the 508 note the handle fork.

Side note: I gave this Kirby 508 to my brother as one of my Kirby lamps, that now sits in his living room. I hope to add another 508 to my collection someday.

Jim

 

[odavid123]

Jim

You did a really good job on your 508 . I’ve always wanted a Kirby lamp too .Its true that the handle fork is unique to the 508 , it’s thicker and heavier as well .

 

[kirbyklekter]

David,

Beautiful 508! I was just thinking about how fun it would have been to be a collector and in a club with others back when Jim Kirby was alive and still designing Kirby's. I don't know how accessible he'd of been but I can imagine some of the questions,comments and suggestions he'd receive from collectors.

I wonder how often his neighbor actually used his 508 as opposed to someone who did the house cleaning for them? I've seen photos of where Mr. Kirby resided and if his
neighbor's place is similar I wouldn't be surprised if there were multiple Kirby's through out the house...just saying!

 

[vacmadman]

Kirby lamp

David,

I have two lamp assemblies done at this time. One with the early Kirby fork at the bottom and a 516-DS50 fork style at the top. I would be more than happy to send you one of these if you would like.

Send me an email with an address you would like me to send it to, and let me know which one you would like and I'll send it out to you. Here are pictures also of other Kirby lamps I have done.

Jim

 

[odavid123]

Jim

Thank you Jim ! These are very impressive . I love the ones used as nightstand flood light lamps .

 

[odavid123]

Kirbyklelter

Hi , I received it from the son of that neighbor . I would have loved it if we could ask questions to kirby himself or tbh anyone working at the Scott and fetzer company back at the start …

 

[lesinutah]

Nice

Bag, what material is it made of.
You going to post pics of the attachments?

 

[2011hoover700]

Can I see a picture of an original kirby 508 plug?
Thanks.

 

[odavid123]

2011hoover700

Hi Damien ,
You can see pics of the cord and plug on my website
Collectingdust.com
There were 2 different cords , early light gray with black ends and ann all dark gray that was also featured on the 509 .