The Electrolux 'Companion.'
Hi Bill:
As I said, Electrolux introduced the Companion around 1948, though, as I don't have my patent books I can't say exactly when. The XXX was designed during the height of the 'Art Deco' period. One is also on display at the Metropolitan museum in New York City! At any rate, the Companion came in several designes. Some were for the XXX, others wre for the LX, LXI. With each, there were tabs for the rug tool, bare floor brush, upholstry tool, and dusting brush. Some were designed to hold the crevice tool, some were not. Also some used one tab to hold the upholstry tool up side down. (Hose end), another lets it sit on two tabs. This tool is also designed in two ways. One has the center thingy, the other is a wide nozzle. The chain on the XXX, and vinyl strap on the LX/LXI were there to let the user hang it on a door knob, or hook in the closet. As I like to keep my LX completely outfitted with (all ) tools, I have a 2nd companion with duplicate tools and use what's needed.
Again it's a matter of opinion, the Companion can saddle the machine in two ways. The picture of Tania using the LX is in reverse of the way I have it. I go with it as pictured in the instruction book. Actually, while I like it covering the compartment for the cord, it is better the way it looks with Tania vacuuming at Turantula Arms!
There were a few tools made of plastic. Actually these were bakelite. The dust brush, upholstry tool and top of the rug tool. They were made while we were at war, and there was no metal produced. Optional tools, which most people never used were also added to the XXX. The white bristle floor brush, and dusting brush!
Most of our club members don't know that the entire ensamble was sold as one unit! Everything you see in the picture was in two huge boxes. After the sale was made, and before the final price was agreed to, the customer would point to various parts, and the salesman would deduct the price of the power polisher, garnent aire bag, cord winder, companian, or what have you. Some people went with just the bare bones. Machine, attachments, hose, and wands. Others bought it all, including the cans of wax, moth crystals, and so on.
Why would a person want the power cord, when they went with the cord winder? Simple, it made a great extention cord. Another option was the hose. The hose? yes, the machine came with a standard hose, but a longer one could be purchaced. I believe the 12 foot hose was the longest. (Open for corrections here guys!)
So there you have it, as best as I can recall, that's the info on the Electrolux tools.
As I said, I welcome corrections, and so on. By the way, Fred, can we get a better look at that box. I have one in terrible condition, and this included the box that the wrappers were in. Please post a picture.
And last but certainly not least, hi Tania! our dear 'Air-Way Lady,' thank you for being a major part of our club. You are truly awesome!
Alex Taber.[this post was last edited: 1/4/2013-19:16]
