Need info on a vacuum cleaner from Germany.

[caligula]

I ran across a find I couldn't pass up, now I need the experts to give me some background.

This is a Progress 50 E, tank style on wheels and I suspect its from the 1930's as the machine ends, spray gun, and some type of blower thingy are all Bakelite. The glass jar to the spray gun is an odd shape. This machine is in excellent condition, but I haven't run it yet as I don't know the voltage. However, I was told by the seller that it used as the daily driver of owner, who lived in California. The only thing not original is the cord, but the female plug (machine end) is, and as far as I can tell, the hose is in good condition. If any of you have info on this I'd greatly appreciate it.

Pictures to follow in a day or so.

Thanks,

Alex Taber.

By the way, 'Caligula,' was the cat in my avatar.

 

[caligula]

Progress 50 E.

This is not the one selling on e-Bay, I found it in an antique shop on Saturday and was such a sweet deal I had to get it.

As stated in the previous post, any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Great to hear from you

Alex. I hope all is well.

 

[caligula]

Hi John.

All is well here though we are still in limbo over selling the house. send me a message at Ralextaber @gmail.com and I'll fill you in on life here in Arizona.
By the way, I've had both Covid shots and am waiting on my booster.

Alex.

 

[dysonman1]

Progress vacuums were sold in America, 120 volt versions. Consumer Reports rated them in the 1940 issue.

 

[caligula]

Thanks Tom.

You know my love of old vacuum cleaners, and especially the history behind them. This was made in Germany so I have no info on it. However, I did run it, and while there are two speeds, very poor suction, certainly not something I'd clean the house with. Obviously a display item. Still its in wonderful condition for its age. The hose is in remarkable condition, yes it passed the Rodger Prohl test with flying colors. In fact, the only drawback is the case, but I can't complain considering its age. There is also something that looks like a hand held blower with a cord that plugs into the front housing. Never saw anything like this before, and as you know I've seen almost every type of attachment there is.

So if you have any background on this machine let me know.

Thanks again,
Alex T.

 

[caligula]

Progress 50 E.

Tom:

This looks like the Electrolux model 11, or something European. I understand the Progress appliance company was in Cleveland, Ohio around 1930, which rules out the P.A. Geier Co.. I'm chomping at the bit to know the history. The bare floor tool, and dusting brush are wood, painted green. They, and the upholstery tool are an exact match to the Electrolux model 5. They too are in remarkable condition. In fact, the dusting brush was hardly used. Rug tool is Bakelite, and chrome, there is even a felt pad. As I said, the only thing not original is the cord. Obviously I got a wonderful machine at a rock bottom price. It will look so good once I get the display up and running again, but I'll save that for another time.

 

[dysonman1]

Alex:
I believe you have a late 30's Progress. I know I have the instruction book as well as the Issue of Consumer Reports where they rated it. They said it had poor suction but good electrical durability. I'll find that book and article and I'll post it for you. Always happy to share.

 

[caligula]

Thanks Tom.

Poor suction is right. I tested it with my hand over the intake outlet, very little suction, I can only imagine putting on the hose. No way to clean anything. But as a display item, that's another story.

There is no paperwork that I can find, so the instruction book posted here would be great. And you know how I'm addicted to instruction books.

Alex.

 

[vacuumdevil]

I think Tom is probably right about that one.

But you might send some pictures and ask that German collector on Instagram.


https://instagram.com/staubsaugermuseumosnabrueck?utm_medium=copy_link

 

[caligula]

Thanks vacuumdevil;

I just had a look at that site, awesome.

My first interest is the non electric machines of the mid to late 1800's, early 1900's, and I have a few of them in my collection.

My second interest is Electrolux, the early years. Tom and I share an interest in these. Actually, we go back more years that I care to remember, his knowledge is amazing.

Thanks for sharing.

Alex T.

 

[collector2]

Hey Alex:

I have a Progress P50E in my collection. They were made from 1952 to 1962.

Doug

 

[dysonman1]

Progress Pictures

You mentioned it was on wheels, which led me to think of the Progress (on wheels) instruction manual I have. Could this be the machine? I knew I had this instruction manual.

 

[caligula]

This is great, thank's Tom.

The Progress machine I have has its wheels recessed, so they are not obvious. As I said, this is from Germany and much like the Early Electrolux's from England. Nonetheless, this instruction book will give me a good idea of the various models.

I'll go into more detail after I read the manual.


Alex

 

[dysonman1]

I'm sorry it wasn't the right one. The Progress is an interesting machine that reminds me of Filtex tanks in a way.

 

[caligula]

No problem.

I haven't taken pictures yet, but to see it, go to eBay, Progress 50e. Mine is the same model, and in far better condition.

As I said, this has a European look, like the English, or Canadian Electrolux's. Body is more squared off.

Check it out and have a look.

The info you sent ready 1937, and I think this is correct.

Thanks again.

 

[caligula]

What baffles me is the part shown on the eBay site, picture 6, where he's holding the cord to something. I have the same attachment, and it appears to be a blower, or perhaps some sort of demother device. Also mine has no dents in the body as this one has. I really got a teriffic find, and for a fraction of the price.

 

[caligula]

Thanks Doug.

Great display.

Now can you tell me what that blower thing is?

Alex.

 

[collector2]

Hey Alex

Which blower thing. Mine has the sprayer and the demother. A common european part that is electric for the exhaust was the hair dryer, which had a heating element. I have one with my Ruton (pictured below - bottom left corner)