So Is This Vacuum Anything Interesting?

[unimatic1140]

YAY, it's been a long time since I had a chance to post anything in the Vintage Forum here at Vaccumland!

At an estate sale yesterday there were a bunch of old vacs in the basement, but this one stood out because it seemed like it was in really nice shape. So for $3 I thought I could be a big spender and take it home and take a few pictures of it. It appears to be a late 1930's Kenmore, but I really don't know for sure. Here are some pictures of it, it works just fine although the belt needs replacement...

 

[unimatic1140]

So was the De Luxe the top of the line or was there something above this like the Bug Eye?

 

[unimatic1140]

Nice knob!

 

[luxg]

Robert what a great find, this is one that I have never seen before. It is in great shape and should be a very easy restore for you. Are the bag and brush-roll in pretty good shape? Thanks for sharing with us.

 

[unimatic1140]

Are the bag and brush-roll in pretty good shape?
Hi Terry, they seem to be in excellent shape, although I really don't know what to look for. The brush roll has all its bristles and doesn't appear to be worn down in any way. The bag is clean and doesn't show any sign of leaks. The machine runs quietly and doesn't seem like it's had a huge amount of use, since there were quite a few other vacuums in the house.

 

[swingette]

how bout a pic of the underside?

that cleaner is a blatant Hoover copy. if today, Hoover would sue!

 

[unimatic1140]

The money shot

 

[dial-a-nap]

Nice Kenmo'

You should keep this - put a belt on it and use it for the living room rug. You'll be amazed at the sweeping ability of those brushes - Gladys' hair will be no match for spinning brushes!

 

[ian88]

Maybe Sears were selling rebadged Hoovers as early as this? It's possible I suppose.

(although I realise there are some differences )

 

[luxg]

Robert, I agree with Greg, clean her up a bit, get a new belt and give it a try. I am amazed at the excellent condition of the underside and the brushes!!

 

[unimatic1140]

So how does one measure and buy a belt for something like this?

 

[luxg]

Great question Robert, we will have to do some checking into it.

 

[ian88]

Wouldn't a modern convertible belt fit alright?

 

[vinvac]

Robert,

What a great vacuum. I don't think a convertable belt would fit, but try a dial-a-matic, or possibly a Bissel style 2. This looks like it would require a flat belt. You don't want the belt to be to tight and ruin the bottom bearing.

I am curious, it is actually a Hoover made for Kenmore? Perhaps Tom or Jeff can shed some light for us.

Morgan

 

[chestermikeuk]

Belts...

Robert, that vac is absolutley NOT very interesting, you dont need it, especially with your 1205.....I`ll give you $5 dollar`s and pay the shipping, there, Hows that....LOL

Cheers, Mike

p.s. I`ll bring some belts with me, its defo a keeper!!!

 

[eluxomarty]

Robert

For $3.00 I would have definately picked it up! That brush roll looks just like a Kirby! The whole vacuum in general looks like a Hoover. I'm wondering if thats not the original brush roll. You know, one of the draw backs of having your collection 30 miles away is that you can't just go to the next room to see your collection and look things up for people! I will check the brushroll on my Kenmore and take a photo to see what it looks like.

Marty

 

[hoover1060]

belt

looks like a flat belt Robert?
I'd try a Hoover Elite belt first, that would probably work best.

 

[petek]

Nice score Robert. I'm also wondering who manufacturered it for Sears. The other thing,, De Luxe, more often than not denoted the bargain model in a line up. Anyone have that old a Sears catalog?

 

[sfovacman]

Could Bertram Electric have made the Kenmore?

Am wondering if Bertram Electric wasn't the maker of the Kenmore pictured.

Jim K.