Predecessor/distant relative to the second generation Kirbys?

[oldskoolguy]

So I was browsing eBay when I came across this interesting vacuum: a 1930s BEE-VAC. It looks a little bit like a second generation Kirby (Classic - Legend II) mainly due to the way the nozzle covers the front wheels a little bit. Other than that, it just looks like any other vacuum that could commonly be found in the 1920’s and 1930’s. But now I’m curious, could this have been a possible predecessor or the inspiration for the second generation of Kirbys at least design wise? Might it be possible to consider this a distant relative to the second generation of Kirbys?

http://https//rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/173168413287

 

[crazykirbydude]

I highly doubt it.

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

You never know.
It could be made by Douglas vacuum. I just Douglas busy bee hand vac. Kirbys version was the vacuette. So it may be Douglas'version.

 

[kirby519]

It was made by Birtman Electrical company. Not part of the Scott and Fetzer company.

It very well could be a design or based off one of James Kirby's designs. He did design vacuums for other company's while he perfected what came to be known as the Kirby vacuum.

 

[lesinutah]

So your saying there's a chance. Sweet.

 

[kirby519]

Here is some additional information on James Kirby. He was Involved with Apex vacuums and laundry machines also Premier vacuums. It also states that he is also credited with the design for the water trap based vacuums. There for Rexair was not the original designer but in fact took the concept and used it as a selling point. Wet dust doesn't travel.

http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/jim-kirby.html

 

[kirby519]

http://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/jim-kirby-news-clippin
Here is a link to News paper articles about Jim. He also designed a vacuum for the Domestic Vacuum Cleaner Company.