My New Lewyt Model 55 with Carpet Sweeper Nozzle!

[coffeecanman]

My latest acquisition...a very special Lewyt Model 55. The fact that it is relatively complete is a bonus, but the real "pièce de résistance" is the ultra-rare model 101 carpet sweeper nozzle! This was essentially the first attempt at a power nozzle, thought it was more of a traditional carpet sweeper with suction. Evidently they didn't sell very well, since this is one of only a couple I currently know of. I'm thrilled to have found one!

 

[suckolux]

Wow!

 

[electrolux137]

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Beautiful, beautiful, BEE-YOO-TEE-FULL.


 


I have Models 40 and 44, both in excellent condition. Here are some photos of my 44. The only thing missing from the nearly complete set is the carpet sweeper nozzle. I really hope to find one someday.

 

[coffeecanman]

Very nice! Everything looks like it's practically new. I'd like to find the caddy for mine as well. I'm really impressed with Lewyt so far...it just might be my new canister brand of choice!

 

[electrolux137]

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If you do decide to use it for a daily driver, I'd suggest getting a replacement coiled vinyl hose so you don't risk ruining the original hose -- save the original for occasional use and displaying.


 


Even with the original hoses that look and seem perfect, the rubber inner lining gets brittle over the years. As those older woven hoses are turned and twisted around when using them, a cracking process of the lining will begin happening. Eventually, the hose is badly leaking and totally useless.


 


I found my Lewyt dolly a year or two after receiving the machine as a gift. The dolly really sets off its appearance to me, and of course, it's great to have it trundling along behind me as I clean instead of having to stop, pick it up, and move it every few feet.


 


These older Lewyts really are great machines -- quiet and easy to use. They don't have the most powerful suction of any canister machine, but as Stan Kann used to say, "You only need enough power to suck the <span class="st">schmutz</span> from the floor to the bag!"

 

[human]

Incredibly awesome find!

That's really cool and brings back a lot of memories. We had a Lewyt like that when I was little. but the canister was charcoal gray and the motor housing was pink! The thing likely dated from about 1961 when my parents got married. It was on a roller base like Charles' Model 44 but the base didn't have spaces to store tools. I don't recall that it came with an ottoman to store everything in.

 

[coffeecanman]

Probably won't use it as my daily driver, the filter queen is much more convenient and efficient. I do have another model 55 but it's not quite as nice and is missing the hose and most of the attachments.

 

[kenkart]

The carpet sweeper

Was a short lived option on the 55 in 1952 I think,the regular Lewyt rug tool does a great job, its one of those things that looks like it wouldn't work , but does,when you pull it backwards, the comb valve closes and if you hold the hose to your ear, it sounds like a sandstorm!

 

[kirby519]

Got to say that some one was on the right track when they came up with that. It probably would work well on the area rugs and low pile rugs of the day. It is the precursor to our modern day electric and turbine nozzles. The same as the Scott & Fetzer Sanitation Systems were the precursor to what we know as the Kirby vacuum.

 

[hygiene903]

Great Find Brandon!

Looks like it's in great shape and very complete with all the attachments, paperwork, and the rare carpet sweeper nozzle! I have 3 of them myself. First is a model 40 with all the attachments but no paperwork or boxes. This is the one that used filter cones like a Filter Queen--and the proceeds from the patent infringement lawsuit that Health-Mor filed against Lewyt was enough to enable Health-Mor to build their own manufacturing plant. I also have a 55 with only the hose, wands, and rug nozzle, and a model 90, one of the big wheel models, called the "Golden Lewyt." Here are pics of all 3.
Jeff

 

[Brandon]

Congrats! Looks like it can take a lick'n and keep on tick'n. Tough looking canister.

 

[andreamorris]

I have a Lewyt for collectors in SE PA

It was my grandmothers. Sorry the box and attachments are gone but it still works. Please respond if you need a working Lewyt cannister for your collection.