NIB FILTER QUEEN VACUUM

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goadie12

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Jan 25, 2011
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I recently won this filter queen vacuum on ebay and I am so excited that it has finally arrived. It is in absolute perfect condition with all the bells and whistles. Here is a compilation of pictures of the vacuum when it arrived hope you enjoy thanks. Zach

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A very interesting machine.

It has the attractive two tone paint scheme of the model 31's, but I always associated these ball type casters and this type of crevice tool holder with later models like the late 33 and after. As for the two speed motor switch, I've seen 31's and 33's with and without this feature. Filter Queens model history gets really confusing due to things like this. And then there's that plastic grill work applied to the top of the motor housing for no apparent reason that as before, I always associated with later models. I'd love to know what the model and serial number of this machine is. I've been collecting photos of Filter Queens of this period along with their model and serial numbers in what is so far a fruitless attempt to make some sense out of all this chaos.

But enough of that. As vintage machines go it doesn't get any better than new old stock, and as well made as Filter Queens of this period are this one should easily provide you with a lifetime of service. Congratulations on an outstanding find.
 
Is your Filter Queen a Canadian-Made model? In the US, that model would have come with a felt pad and no bare floor tool. There would have been a peg on the attachment crown, with an adapter, to hold the felt pad for the Power Nozzle. The bare floor tool was an optional attachment at the time, but the curved adapter would have had a tan rubber wand end, not a brown one.


The first Filter Queen to have the heat shield (the grill on top of the machine, which kept the user's hand away from the hot metal dome - made very warm from the motor's exhaust heat) was the 1978, 50th Anniversary Model.
 
I'd bet - given the two-speed switch and the USA return address, that it's a US model. IIRC all the Canadian models prior to the 95X had a one-speed (but more powerful) motor. There might be exceptions - and there might have been US-made models sold in Canada or vice versa, near the border, not sure.
 
Much better

Than what is made today, I hate the attachments that are used on the new ones!!And that no 48 powerhead is the very best ever as far as im concerned, its small enought to get under and around furniture.
 
Thanks everyone for all the interest, I do think it is an american model but I will get the model and serial number tomorrow or wednesday and then we should know for sure. As well I dont think this color was ever sold in canada but I could be mistaken thanks. Zach
 
Zach

Email me privately at [email protected]. I know the provenance of that machine. It is brand new and provided through Ruth Hollander in St. Louis. She knew a dealer that had a stock and made them available to us collectors. I have one as well - see picture. Your machine has had a slight modification based upon one of the previous owners preferences. I would probably have done the same thing since I believe that the floor brush is more effective than the felt pad. Tania would disagree with me and her and I argue over the best way to clean wood floors. She swears by the felt pad attachment for the Airways.

In any event, you have a wonderful and unique machine. How often can you find a brand new Filter Queen 31? One of my favorites. Here is mine from the same stock yours came from. Definitely American.

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Close Up

Of the original setup for the floor pad. I bought a Model 33 (brown, deluxe, with chrome tools and cord winder) back in about 1977. Loved that machine, but really love the color scheme of the 31. Ruth has wonderful stories of trips to Chicago to stock up. She was a school teacher but found it much more lucrative to sell Filter Queens. Fabulous machine! Congratulations.

PS - She also sold Compacts - another fabulous machine. How could you go wrong selling such quality.

PPS - Hans - I totally agree with you about the 48 power nozzle. I have never seen one that can groom carpets including deep plush like this baby can.

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Re cleaning floors..

Im in the middle on this one, I think the felt pad is wonderful...as long as there is not a lot of sand or grit, then I use a Compact tool which I like best because the suction is down at the floor where sand cant excape.
 
Speaking Of NIB - We Are Going Off Topic Here

Here are some of my Compacts. Of course, Ms. Tania got a lead on a whole stash of NIB Compacts. She can tell you the model numbers. The two on the left (gold and green) were NIB machines. I didn't ask any questions, just purchased. The gold came with the Eureka power nozzle and the green came with the regular rug tool and turbo brush. Brand new in the original packing. All attachments - brand new. The turquoise one on the right was bought brand new in Palm Springs CA in the mid-eighties for $289. Tania still marvels over that one.

Compacts are wonderful machines and the tools are amazing. Built to last a lifetime. And with the updated filters and bags, great machines. The reason I bring this up is that Ruth Hollander knew quality and that's what she sold - with great results.

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A Compact/Tristar Question...

Hi Fred
I recently acquired a DXL for the huge sum of £1.04. It needed a new brush roll and belt but other than that has cleaned up well. The brush roll came from a US seller and is I believe a CWP replacement.
The question is at what point did the name change from Compact happen?
Cheers
Seamus
P.S I use a modified Numatic Henry hepa bag in mine- cut the top off and it just tucks in round the side of the cloth bag :).The cord hook also needed replacing- that's a Hoover replacement for the 9 series commercial machines ;)

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