Question about Royal 801

[tinytyke]

First of all, I'm new to this forum and want to say "Thank you!" for sharing fascinating information about vintage vacuums! I'm learning a lot already.

I am intrigued by older Royals and have my eye on an eBay listing for an 801. The seller has posted (at my request) a picture showing the serial number. Is it safe to assume that this machine dates from March 1947? If so, are the bag and the belt cover the right ones for this time frame? I would have expected them to be diagonally-divided black and red. I'm interested in your thoughts on this. Thanks in advance!

Here's the link to the listing:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROYAL-VACUU...075?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19fd57306b

 

[tinytyke]

Correction

Hmmm...must be from the seventies, perhaps, since the Royal address includes a zip code! Sorry!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

tinytyke

Yes, this 801 was built March 1974. The bag currently on it is wrong (it's for a much older 801), it should be tan with red screen print.

~Ben

 

[tinytyke]

Thanks, Ben! I thought something didn't look quite right on this one. Here's another listing for one that seems more "together":

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROYAL-VACUU...766?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a43fc64be

 

[kenkart]

The Bag

Is late 50s early 60s, I have a 58 801 and its like this, my favorite upright of all time!

 

[eriedearie2]

cord on this machine

did anyone else notice the cord. I think the original cord was shortened and an extension added to that. smart! since I have one like this, mine did not come like this , one solid grey cord. I bought mine in early 70's and it has only been serviced three times but nothing serious . it's still in use and does a good job for a three amper.

erie

 

[tinytyke]

My "dream machine" would be a Royal 801 from the early fifties, in good enough condition to use every day if I wanted to. Love that diagonal black & red design on the bag and belt cover! Who knows -- I might even start to enjoy vacuuming! If anyone has one that you'd be willing to part with, please let me know!

 

[hygiene903]

Here is my 801 from 1975, with the bag that Ben told you about.
Jeff

 

[hygiene903]

The dream machines you spoke of would probably be a model 177, 189, 215, 292, or 299, built from 1945 to 1952, or an early 153, which was built from 1945 to 1987. The 299 was the top of the line 2 speed model, and the 292 might have been a 2 speed as well. These would all have had the black and red bag you are looking for. The 153 was an economy model with no headlight. Here is a pic of my ensemble in red & black, with my 153, 189, and 157 hand vac.
Jeff

 

[tinytyke]

What a beautiful collection, Jeff! I'm in awe of your 189. Is that a Geier belt cover I see on the 177?

 

[hygiene903]

I don't have a 177, are you referring to the 153? If so, here's a pic of it by itself. Think you are right about P.A. Geier on the front cap. I do know it says "motor driven brush" on it.
Jeff

 

[tinytyke]

Sorry, Jeff...

I meant 189! That's the all-time dream machine!

 

[tinytyke]

Aarggh...another mistake, Jeff!

Of course I meant the 153 with the Geier belt cover. Coffee hasn't kicked in yet...