Last model 30 Electrolux

[dysonman1]

I was given this Electrolux model 30 by a woman who was cleaning out her deceased Uncle's home. He bought it in 1954. She made a point to tell me "He was a bachelor". Hmmm

 

[dysonman1]

Even the original Belden plug has unbent prongs. The original hose is still sealed.

 

[dysonman1]

I love that Electrolux was trying out the plastics they would make the next model (E and AE) attachments from. It's a wonderful sweeper and I definitely am going to enjoy cleaning with this 68-year-old gem. And it's always great when Karma comes back around and brings you something nice.

 

[electrolux137]

 


 


Lovely. I have one, too. The only difference is that mine has a metal upholstery nozzle.


 


I also have a similar one that had belonged to my Aunt Virginia. Hers had the blue front and rear covers (with a blue cord winder) but had the typical XXX gray leatherette top and slate-gray undercarriage.

 

[paul]

Tom, I'm glad such a well-kept and all-original Model XXX was gifted to you. Impressive!

I have a '52 with the blue ends, under carriage & Companion sporting the classic leatherette.

 

[caligula]

Nice model XXX.

And the hose looks original. Have you given it the Roger Proehl test yet?

 

[dysonman1]

Alex

I have. It's completely sealed. The lady who gave this to me, also gave me her mother's Lewyt about 5 years ago when I was at the old Museum. It's a model 77 in the hassock, which of course I still have. This was her uncle's ("a bachelor") and the only vacuum she remembered him having. They are selling his house (he passed away) and they found this in the closet (perhaps next to him?). I did install a new filter and dust bag, which I had in my collection. She told me his house was built in 1954 and she remembered when he bought the sweeper (right after he moved in).

UPDATE: The lady who gifted me this machine, found the crevice tool in her back seat and brought it to me this morning.

 

[vinvac]

Just curious,

Why were some of the Model 30's painted and some chrome?

 

[dysonman1]

I guess it falls to when they were made. The model E was introduced first, with its hammer tone paint right after this model was retired. Like any factory, the aluminum buffing department was the most costly because of all the accidents involving the huge buffing machines. Anything a manufacturer could paint as opposed to buff, would be a welcome change. The exhaust cover on mine is chromed, as is the switch cover. The model 61 was the top of the line machine when this model 30 was current.

 

[human]

Such a beautiful example of mid-century industrial design. Form and function just don't come together like that anymore. What a lovely thing for someone to gift you, knowing that it would be cared for and enjoyed for many years to come.

 

[hygiene903]

That's a beautiful Lux XXX, Tom! my parents bought one in 1951 or 52 and I wish I had theirs, as I don't think I've seen another one quite like it. The front cover was polished, the rear cover was painted, but it was hammertone grey instead of blue. The cordwinder was chrome, and it had the grey leatherette top and slate grey bottom. The vaporizer and floor polisher were also hammertone grey. It also had the same attachments as yours, except the rug nozzle was the last generation metal XXX rug nozzle.
The XXX I do have is kind of an oddball itself! It has the 475-watt motor, but everything else about it suggests a later version, such as the "saloon door" rear cover and the later style rug nozzle. Maybe built in 1948 or 49? Here's a pic of mine.
Jeff

 

[dysonman1]

Jeff:
What a sweet model XXX. I love the dark leatherette covering. You really do have a great collection.