Kirby Utility on eBay

[electrolux137]

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See link... I imagine the seller is rather over-optimistic about the value of his machine given some condition issues, but who knows.......


 


Something I'm wondering about is how powerful the Kirby Utility is. It has a 3-amp motor which, IIRC, is the same rating as the full-size Model C Kirby of the same time. That being the case, this probably is a powerful little bugger, if perhaps unwieldy and awkward to use.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/123798369387?ul_noapp=true

 

[cmbcool01]

Depending on the age and rarity it might be worth it, a little much for me but other then one or two specific machines I'm not on the market for anything else, i will say if he's actually the original owner that does significantly increase it's value in my mind because i can get the history and hopefully an honest answer to what problems it has if any

 

[lesinutah]

Grasshopper

Or aka the eeze. I would have a hard time spending that much on a vacuum if I was loaded. It's not as much as I spent on my wife's ring but I would not pay that much. We have seen a 510 go for $2100 in the last year. I didn't think there is a snow ball chance in heck he gets $1500. It only takes one person though.
Les

 

[oreck_xl]

I've often wondered what was the original purpose of the cleaner to be dubbed "Utility?". Seems a tad bulky and cumbersome to be a conventional hand vac even for 1930's standards.

 

[lesinutah]

Uh

It's pre vacuette. The first Kirby
Les

 

[tolivac]

Forget about it---way TOO HIGH a price-don't go for those old designer priced vacuums-for that price they can keep it.Not interested at all.

 

[rivstg1]

really neat piece from the 30's

but he's deluding himself at that price.

 

[dysonman1]

I had one for many years. My good friend Adam (he's a kirby collector) has one he got for Christmas two years ago. They are from the 1930's. Unique in how it can force moth gas into an article of furniture through the nozzle. Not as powerful as you might think. The first name for it was Vacuette Jr. Glad he thinks it's worth $3000. I think sometimes people put things for sale on eBay at crazy prices because they want to show it off, not because they actually think anyone would be dumb enough to pay that much - but there are very rich vacuum collectors who will pay anything because money means nothing to them.

 

[lesinutah]

Question

Is it not the eeze aka grasshopper. Essentially first Kirby produced. I'd imagine power is lacking it's basically a handvac. The 3 amp vacuums have larger air nozzles giving a little better suction/pickup.
Les

 

[lesinutah]

Answer

It's not an eeze, grasshopper, vacuette or model c. It's circa 1931-1936. I'm not sure but either after 2c I believe but not positive. It is rare but ya.
Les

 

[dysonman1]

Les

The Ezee was non electric. It was not manufactured nor sold by the Scott and Fetzer Company. It was made and sold by the Frantz Premier Company. It does not belong on the Kirby timeline. James Kirby had two electric and one non-electric cleaner already in production and on the market when he met Mr. Scott and Mr. Fetzer.

 

[lesinutah]

Thanks

I thought Franz premier was in the history somewhere. It's hard to find in archives too. Thanks for the info I think I'll remember this info now.
Les

 

[fantomfan]

I had one

It had no cord on it and I never tested it. I gave it away some time ago even being somewhat rare it’s a vacuum for God’s sake