ROTAREX RENOVATOR

[milford]

I have discovered an old vacuum appliance in a Victorian attic in Norfolk, U.K.. I have not seen anything like this before nor can I find anything similar on the web. I am looking to sell and would appreciate any advice, interest and offers. I estimate its age circa 1920-1930.

 

[kenkart]

The Apex Rotarex!

Pre WW2.

 

[vacbear58]

Age

I have a feature from Good Housekeeping in 1928 in which this cleaner is included, so certainly late 1920s

Al

 

[caligula]

Hi milford, Happy Hogmanay,

The name Rotarex looks a lot like the Vortex that was made here in America around the same time. I'll try to research that for you later today, but I believe that was also made by Apex. This raises a huge red flag, but in a good way. One of the key inventors was James B. Kirby who was designing washing machines. You said circa 1920 - 1930, that was the same time Jim Kirby was experimenting with several ideas for Apex, Scott/Fetzer, and Vital Rand to name only a few, and yes, Jim did market to Canada and England.  As I said, I'll have to research this for you, but I think you have a very early Kirby design. 


 


Alex Taber.


 


 

 

[caligula]

Hi milford.

Here's what I found.


 


The Rotarex was made by the Apex Electrical mfg. Co. East 152nd street, Cleveland, Ohio. This listing comes from the two page article in the Winter issue of the V.C.C.C. newsletter 1994-95.  This does not give a year, but I think 1920 - 1930 is correct.


 


Alex Taber.

 

[kenkart]

Alex..I read that it was also made in Europe

And was made during the 30s and up until the beginning of WW2, I will have to find the book I have telling about it, Jimmy Martin has one of these, its actually a very practical design!

 

[caligula]

Hi Hans.

Happy New Year.


 


Look on the thread to John Lucia, and check the list 'Who made it,' as the Rotarex was indeed made by Apex, I also found a picture of it in the 1994/95 issue of the newsletter Electrolux issue, I'll post that tomorrow. No doubt it was also made in England for sale there, and throughout Europe, and most likely also Canada. My info on Apex is limited but the Rotarex, is, mentioned and does indeed date back to 1920. I'll try to dig further in the next few days.


 


Alex Taber.  

 

[milford]

Rotarex renovator

Thanks for the interest so far, guys, very informative and helpful. I have included another photo, which may be of more use.

 

[kenkart]

Alex....

You are right, I found an article on it in a book called The Housewares Story, By Earl Lilshey,..An inventor named Stanley McClachie designed it, and showed it to Clarence G Frantz who had it built both in Germany and Cleveland along with Apex and Frantz Premier cleaners, this was the early 20s it was built according to this article up until WW2.

 

[caligula]

Hi Hans.

Clarence G Frantz was a friend of Jim Kirby. The Frantz Premier company was started by him, and his brother with help from Jim Kirby. I'll share that story later this year, in time for the Convention at the Kirby Co.


 


I'll be away from my desk all day, more tonight.


 


Alex.

 

[milford]

Rorarex Renovator

Thanks for all the information, guys. The thread has been quiet lately after a busy early few days. Is this still the best forum for interest from collectors or companies, as I still want to sell. I have been considering e-bay, but would prefer to keep amongst enthusiasts.Thanks for advice so far.

 

[caligula]

Mi milford,

I was not aware that you were selling the Rotarex, I need to know the asking price, if it can be converted to U.S power, and if it has a converter plug? Please keep us posted and if I don't buy it, somebody in Vacuumland will.


 


Alex Taber.

 

[milford]

ROTAREX RENOVATOR

Thanks Alex, the machine has had a UK three pin plug attached, but also comes with an ?original wooden two pin plug and what looks like a two pin plug converter, made of ,I think, Bakelite. I am really open to offers on this , but being honest, they would have to be in excess of £150 to make the whole exercise worthwhile. No UK websites have anything like this and I am looking, perhaps , to auction. However,this website and it`s correspondents appear to be the most knowledgeable,and I would appreciate an honest valuation.

 

[milford]

Hi all, here is another image,hope this gives some more info.

 

[hygiene903]

Here's a pic of my Rotarex--the upright version.
Jeff

 

[milford]

Rotarex Renovator

Rotarex still up for sale or interest. If no takers I will try e-bay in a week or so, or try an auction house in UK. Still would appreciate some sort of idea as to rarity/value etc by any of this sites experts, though. Thanks all.

 

[electrolux137]

 


 


 


There is no set value for old vacuum cleaners. Their value is based on what someone offers you for them.



http://www.1377731.com/value