Kirby model C

[3rdgenvacguy]

I've seen post that list these models as c, 3c, 3c, etc. My machine has no model #, but the serial # is C185125. So, is this just a model C, and how old is this machine.

 

[a007kirbyman]

Kirby Model C

Hello Kurt.

That is definitely a model C Kirby.

It dates to 'about' 1936. In my research, I have not came across any 'hard data' that tells the exact date that the 'hammer-head' headlight was introduced.

I hope this answers your question(s).


I'm always happy to assist anyone with Kirby information, parts or supplies. And you're welcome to call any time you have Kirby questions, especially if you [or anybody] want(s) ACCURATE Kirby info. ~~lol~~

Cheers & hagd/n all,

Bill

 

[charleskirby66]

WOW!


 


There's another of my dream machines!  <3

 

[KirbyCollector01]

Also one of my dream machines

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Yep

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">You have a Kirby later model C. The later version with the headlight was introduced at some point in 1935.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">The early model C had no headlight. That was introduced in 1934. Some people refer to them as a 1C but they was only ever called Kirby model C. The No1 or "1C" appeared retrospectively. Like some people refer to the Heritage as a Heritage 1 </span><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">or the first Sentria as a Sentria 1.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">The manual for the model C stayed the same for the late and early versions. It's just that the later verison came with a insert showing the headlight and how to change the light bulb.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Infact in the manual only refers to the Kirby as the Kirby if I remember correctly...</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">You have a very nice Kirby there. </span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James

</span>

 

[caligula]

Now I'm confused!

Hi Kirbymodel2c:

I have one of these models with the 'hammerhead' light, and always thought it was a 1-C. As a man who both worked for Kirby (1977-84) and has been a vacuum cleaner historian since at least 1974, I always went with the term 1-C. Then I read the above post and I thought your comment, that there was no 1-C made a lot of sense and I was ready to accept it. But I always check my facts and according to the timeline in the 'About us' section of the Kirby Company website, it shows the 1-C, which does have the hammerhead, or what I call the scroll headlight.

So please post the opening pages of the first instruction book. I have the second one and let's clear this up. It's very possible the person who designed the Kirby timeline is using the same mis-information that I've been using all these years.

Thanks,
Alex Taber
V.C.C.C.

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi Alex

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I will at some point show a close up of the Kirby model C manuals. There just packed away at the moment.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">If you go to your Model C and look at the I.D tag underneth it will show the  model similar to the one above C and then the rest of the serial number. Like Kurts number above C  185125</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Don't take the Kirby timeline serious on their website....According to that there's a 506 and 507 which of course there isn't.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I've attached pics of my early and late model C I.D tags as well as the 2C I.D tag for comparison.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">As you can see both early/late C id tags just state C where as the 2C say 2C. This is the same for the 3C/4C and Rs as well.</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I hope this helps.</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James

</span>