NIB Kirby Heritage rescued from the thrift store!

[hoovercelebrity]

I tend to visit the thrift store that's not too far from where I live at least 2-3 times a week. This time I wasn't expecting to find anything - per the usual. I saw a Kirby Tradition box on the floor, and thought "oh, it's probably attachments; people always keep the attachments in the big box". So I opened it, and it was actually a pretty beat up Lux XXX. When I looked next to this box, I noticed a Kirby Heritage box sitting on the floor upside down. I carefully opened it and saw that there was a machine inside.

Upon looking a bit closer, I noticed the cord was still wrapped, and there was still the protective plastic on all of the wheels. I flipped it over and opened it again -- now realizing that the bag was still folded as it would have been from the factory. I threw it in a cart and booked it out of there FAST! I paid $19.99 for it, it's completely new in the box.

It does have a bit of corrosion in some parts (mainly the bottom of the cleaner). I think, based on how the box looks, too - that it may have sat in a damp basement or garage. So I may take it to my local Kirby store and have them buff it all out. The serial number starts with 283; so I believe this was made in either the second week of 1983 or February of 1983.

I'm still completely amazed.[this post was last edited: 5/17/2016-16:21]

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Here's the box once I got it home:

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Box opened:

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Attachments:

 

[hoovercelebrity]

And finally, the "power plant", bag, and handle unassembled. I haven't decided if I'm going to even assemble it, leave it in the box, use it... so many decisions!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Fred,

The "2" before the "83" actually refers to this unit being made at the Kirby West plant in Andrews, TX. The month code is a two-digit code following the year code.

I am amazed that they only wanted $20 for this complete NOS Heritage!

~Ben

 

[charleskirby66]

CRAZY!

Yeah I never get that lucky in the thrifts! Congratulations on the steal of a lifetime!

 

[vac-o-matic]

Smelling salts....

Followed by a perfect margarita for me please! The only thing that would've been better had it been a new Hoover in box, but I'm sure you can still appreciate it!

Now that I think about it, do you even own a Kirby?

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Do I own a Kirby?

I own a D80 that I had factory rebuilt, which is my favorite Kirby. I've also got a Legend 2 that's pretty nice and I think one of the prettiest they ever made. I have a Dual 50 somewhere in a box, needing restoration; a G3 that I picked up for $40 at a sale a year or two ago, with all of the accessories. I also found a Sentria at this same thrift store two weeks ago for $25.99 - which I have fallen in love with, and may send out for a rebuild. And I do have a Heritage that my High School guidance counselor gave me when I was in high school - but it's currently somewhere in the attic, I think. I've always liked the Heritage over the Heritage II, because I like the look of the larger nozzle over the smaller "cut off" nozzle on the Heritage II.

Ben - the SN is 2831100864

 

[charleskirby66]

My Heritage II has the old-style nozzle. Given the smaller emptor and improved fill tube design, I find the Heritage II to be superior to the original Heritage. I'm actually fixing up my Heritage to foster to a new home.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Fred,

Your Heritage was built in November 1983.

~Ben

 

[vac-o-matic]

Equal opportunity collector....

Good for you Fred! I just didn't remember seeing any when I was at the house. I must've confused you with someone else that just collects Hoover! I was thinking of Mr. Long..and I know of one other here in the states.


(ducks and runs)[this post was last edited: 5/17/2016-17:44]

 

[suckolux]

Nice find Fred!

 

[KirbyCollector01]

Amazing find!

If I saw that at my goodwill
I would've freaked out and fainted


Just amazing

 

[brando_husky]

It's amazing what treasures pop up at the thrift stores from time to time. Haven't been quite that lucky but have found quite a few rare birds from the goodwill!

Excellent find and I'd love to see it all buffed up some time!

 

[human]

Holy time capsule, Batman!

That's a find (and a steal) of a lifetime!

 

[vacman117]

Wow!!

It seems the best things always turn up when you're least expecting them.

Congrats!!

 

[durango159]

WOW!! Great find! Amazing to find such a classic brand new! Congrats!