Scott & Fetzer Sanitation System

[hismastersvoice]

Are these really that hard to find? This is probably my favorite and most desired model, but I've had a hard time finding anyone willing to sell one at any price. Of course, there is always the likelihood of finding one "in the wild" but I never seem to have such luck...

 

[LionKCommander]

I wish you great luck, it took me a long time to find my 2C. You'll eventually find one.

 

[dysonman1]

I have one. They sold Scott and Fetzer Sanitation Systems for a long time - 7 years. During that time, the Sani-Emptor was introduced. The "System" had the ability to remove the front wheels when using it over your shoulder with the shoulder strap. It also featured TWO different nozzles. The straight suction nozzle, and a wheel-driven revolving brush nozzle. Ironic that Kirby was so "Late To The Game" with the motor driven brush. Hoover's patent on the motor driven brush was expired the year BEFORE the "System" was launched. We would have to wait until 1935 for a motor driven brush Kirby. The "System" is a very nice, very powerful machine - similar to a Royal Super in suction power. The Scott and Fetzer Sanitation System was private labeled in 1928 and 1929 as "The Health-Mor" for the company that was to become Filter Queen in 1939.

 

[vac-o-matic]

I happen to have one of the aforementioned systems. It's in great cosmetic shape, have both of the nozzles, but does have a Kirby bag that looks like the one on my Kirby C model. I love the brass toned emtor closer lever and the signage on the side of it. The bottom drawer of the emtor is metal instead of later bakelite material. My machine barely has any wear to it actually, wheels or otherwise and must have not been used much. Now the downside to it is, the motor is shot, very sad, so she justs sits there in the display in all her glory. I also have a box of attachments, but not sure if they go with the S&F system or my C. Some day I will look into having that motor looked at again to see if anything can be redone, as I know nothing about motor repair.

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Sorry...

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">to hear that Rick. I hope you get it running again.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Hope this helps. Here's a picture of my early S&F with it attachments and box etc so you can confirm your attachments and box are for your system.</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James

</span>

 

[hismastersvoice]

You guys are making me jealous! And all of those attachments and box...ugh!

 

[super-sweeper]

Lol,I love your choice of words, 'in the wild'!

! 

 

[cb123]

HisMastersVoice

I can truly identify with your suffering, that being said, let me now tell you with a whole hearted assurance...you can never surrender nor give up in your hope. It took me the better part of three years to attain an (early model C), and I must confess, it was well worth the agony of waiting...the best things usually are....that can only make them so much the sweeter! One thing is for sure, the longer you wait, the more you appreciate it. And another truism you can take heart: It's always darkest before a new and glorious KIRBY dawn!" Until your dawn comes, have a listen....may you be encouraged in some small way by this link.

 

[hismastersvoice]

Hahahaha, awesome. And beautiful Model C, by the way! I'd like one of those, too. Kirbys are addictive, what can I say?

 

[cb123]

YES, that is for certain! KIRBY is one primo snort, not like that back alley vacuum smack. I'm just glad Kirby isn't an injectable, because there'd be a whole lot of ODs out there! But even still, many have succumbed to its allure, the prestige of The KIRBY, and just for this simple reason: It's the purest, most uncut stuff out there! Now, my greatest hope is, that the POWERS which be, will never regulate nor deem KIRBY to be a controlled substance...May Heaven help us if they ever do! 


 

 

[cb123]

Hello...Hello, Alex, where are you?! This is a good one to comment on!

 

 

[super-sweeper]

Ha...what...what!? Oh, Calem! Yeah, um, yay! If Kirby was an injectable you'd have to order Anti-OD fluid by the drum, Calem! I can fit the whole machine in my arm, but why would I do that when there's carpets to clean and modern vacuums to out-perform? 

 

[cb123]

Just think if you could shove a whole Dyson into a syringe, and when you push down on that plunger, it would be like a hypo full of liquid Drano cut down with Red Devil Lye....Woooooo...Now that's a real HOT SHOT!!!

 

 

[houstonc89]

Serial Number Info

Hello all, I discovered this thread while trying to find more information about a Scott & Fetzer this lady is trying to sell. I would really like to have one, but it's rough, so I thought I would try and find some more information about it before I decide whether or not it's teh machine for me. Serial number is el 290235. Can someone at least tell me the year so I can determine if this is a Vacuette ELectric or a Sanitation System?

Thanks! Beautiful vacs through this whole thread, BTW!

 

[dysonman1]

Just had a lady call the Vacuum Cleaner Museum yesterday, wanting to know how much her Scott and Fetzer Sanitation System was 'worth'. She thought thousands. I told her to come back to earth. She had an offer of $500 from a vacuum collector, but she thought she could get more. I told her eBay it so everyone can bid on it, and Mike Pupek can win it.

 

[electrolux137]

~
~

I wonder if that's the same lady who sent me these photos on behalf of a friend, the intimation seeming that her friend considered it priceless. I replied with a reality check:

<blockquote> Wow. There's "rough" and then there's "ROUGH." Its collectible value really is negligible.

The only thing possibly salvageable from that machine might be the motor. Have you dared to plug it in and see if it runs?! (If not, then DON'T. Trust me.)

Just for comparison, I have attached a few photos of a very similar old Kirby product that a friend of mine just found. It's 100% complete and all-original, including the original shipping carton, instruction manual and attachments. It's a real gem.

He paid a great deal for it. But, then, look at the condition!

Here's an article I wrote about the value of vintage vacuum cleaners. (See link below.)

http://www.1377731.com/value</blockquote>

All I heard back was, "I'll forward your info to my friend." I have a feeling I'm not going to hear back from her.......

 

[chicagomike]

Yep, it is in horrendous condition if it is the same vac as in the attached photos... Not sure who would pay her $1000 for a parts vacuum and there are no replacement parts you can buy for it either! So you would need a donor machine or need to make parts.

 

[houstonc89]

I wrote back to this lady and told her I would rather hold out and pay more for a higher quality example. She asked a couple questions about posting it on eBay. She didn't seem to be offended or anything when I told her $100 starting bid with $400 or so as a Buy It Now was a good place to start. If she didn't get any bites she can always lower it. But who knows what she's actually thinking. I doubt she plugged it in... It looks like the machine end of the cord has been cut.

 

[tolivac]

A grand for THAT?????I would not give them 10 bucks for it.Where are the attachments ?Some folks STILL think they have treasures in their attics and basements.Now if that machine was in better shape--