Something you don't see everyday...GE Canister

[meba2233]

Here is an old GE canister I found hidden away in someone's basement this weekend. It is not a very pretty machine but has a lot of potential in that despite its looks, there is only one tiny ding on the whole body. For whatever reason much of the paint has flaked off over the years and you can see the metal body on probably about half the machine. It is an ATV150. Seems to work great with very good suction.

 

[meba2233]

Logo Closeup

This logo is on each side. Runner are in great condition.

 

[meba2233]

Interesting Tools

Came with this plasticky flex hose, two nice aluminum wands, and these interesting black rubbery floor tools.

Does anyone know a manufacturing date on this one?

Thanks.

Mark

 

[eurekaprince]

That is very similar to the vac my parents had when I was bo

I would date this to the early 1950's. Ours had different attachments though: we had a light brown cloth woven hose, with a rubber gasket at the machine end that thickened when you turned the metal sleeve, so that the rubber grabbed onto the suction port. I think you only have the original carpet nozzle and floor brush there: ours were similar but were a milk-chocolate brown colour. There should be a matching rubber-like round dusting brush, and a plastic upholstery nozzle with no bristles.

I remember seeing vintage ads for this posted on ebay calling the vac the G-E Air-Flo. Now I know the model number! Thanks!

 

[joe22]

such a cool vac, the tools are most intersting

 

[crevicetool]

The early lacquer (nitrocellulose) based finishes.....

were very susceptible to extreme hot/cold temperature variances. That's why you see a lot of furniture "alligator" or craze. Lacquer dries or cures completely leaving only the resin and pigment. There are no oils such as linseed oil or alkyd or acrylic resins in them to provide flexibility. It looks to me, and you verify my diagnosis by saying it came from some one's basement where there was possibly a moisture issue. When the lacquer expands it cracks, and releases it's hold on the substrate. Moisture gets under it and "lifts" it. The two ends of your machine - are there any signs of paint on them? I am not familiar with this model and don't know if they were painted a contrasting color or if they were plated. I don't have an explanation for those if they were plated as the runners don't seem to have shared the same fate. The machine is in very good condition otherwise. Congratulations.


Rick

 

[crevicetool]

Do you know how difficult is was for me to sound so danged p

I'll have to remedy that.



Tool. (as in - what a)

 

[electrolux~137]

I have an instruction manual for this exact machine, except that it's badged PREMIER. All my vacuum cleaner archives are still packed up, so I can't get to that manual just now. But I'd say going from what I remember about it that it dated from the early 1950s.

 

[electrolux-dude]

I have 2 vacuums exactly like that one

I've got 2 vacuums exactly like that one although the other one is a Premier, believe it or not they both work. I haven't plugged them in for awhile--I may have to replace the cords on them eventually. They are cool machines, surprisingly powerful yet quiet.
Electrolux-Dude

 

[kenkart]

More like the 40s

The square one Fred has was made in 51,just before the 815 swivel top in 52,so im going to say 47 8 or 9 maybe 1950, but I believe the last tanks they made of this style had little short runners instead of the long ones.

 

[arh1953]

Funny you should mention short runners

Here's Kathi Norris with a solution for drag around tragedies. We don't need any more tragedies around here! (disclaimer-rerun ad)

 

[eurekaprince]

Horrors!

Who put those cigarettes there?

 

[portable]

When I get back later today....

I will scan and post the original ad pamphlet I have for this tank. Great find. I bet Crevice Tool could work his restoral magic on it.....

 

[meba2233]

GE Air-Flo Manual

I forgot I had this manual for a GE Air Flo Home Cleaner. Looks just like the vacuum in question.

http://www.meba.com/manuals/GEAir-FloHomeCleaner.pdf

 

[portable]

OK....here's the page I have on 2 GE tanks

the AVT-150 and the AVT-701

 

[collector2]

I picked up a complete AVT 150 a few years ago. Mine is from 1947 but, as you can see in the picture, the hose connection is different. The one on your machine predates that connection so I would say its probably 1946 or early 47.

Doug

PS - Incidentally the accessory kit isnt original. I made it to keep the parts in based on the kits that came with the later models.

 

[electrolux~137]

Beautiful scan job on the manual, Mark! Thanks for posting it.

 

[ohio_tuec]

G.E. Airflo's

I will always have a soft spot for these cleaners, as my grandmother had one before she traded it in on a Kirby. I like these much better than the swivel-tops that followed. I wonder if the short runners (like the one shown in the swivel-top commercial) came later as a cost-cutting touch? In an episode of "The Honeymooners" we see Ralph bring Alice home an Airflo with the stubby runners. He demonstrates it by trying to vacuum up oatmeal, but the motor makes a weird grinding sound. Only cost $4.95 lol!

 

[caligula]

Thank you for sharing!

This is one more of my 'childern' that will be on the truck a week today. Mine was in perfect condition when I put it in storage, hopefully it will need only a light cleaning to return it to show quality.

In the opening picture the only thing that is not correct is the hose. It did indeed have a rubber gasget to make a tight seal. As I recall, it has great suction.

Fantastic machine!

Alex Taber