This has to be the cutest upright I've ever had

[hoover300]

Regina model M, which is the sister to an Imperial. I found one ad for it, dating it to around 1919. Going by the very old vac shop sticker and new style bag, the bag was replaced quite a long time ago. It runs so quiet but barely has any power, I get the sense the bristle bar does the most cleaning lol. The handle grip/switch is awesome! A couple of things in the background are coming soon!

 

[dysonman1]

How cool is that? I have never owned one that old. Congratulations on a Museum Piece. It looks wonderful. Did Westinghouse make the motor on yours?

 

[hoover300]

Thank you!

It doesn't say Westinghouse anywhere on it so I doubt it, as Westinghouse loved putting their logo everywhere lol. It does look very similar to a straight suction that Westinghouse made, so it could be.

 

[huskyvacs]

Wow what a weird switch for sure, looks like a lamp socket. Also incorporating the handle yoke into the rear axle is also rather unique. This must be the Dirt Devil Broom Vac of its time.

 

[hygiene903]

Nice Regina!

I've never seen one that looks quite like that! I have a model 39 and a model 59, but neither one has a handle like the one on your model M. I'm also surprised to hear that it barely has any power, as my 39 is quite powerful, and yes, the motor on it is made by Westinghouse. However, the 59 (newer of the two) doesn't run and I haven't yet had time to check it out. Here are pics of the 39 (first) and 59 (2nd).
Jeff

 

[dysonman1]

I have always loved the Regina uprights with the Westinghouse motors.

 

[hygiene903]

Nice Regina, Tom!

Is yours a model 50? It looks like it falls in between the two that I have, newer than the 39 but older than the 59.
Jeff

 

[bob_smith]

The shape of that handle makes me think it has one of those circular ceramic switches inside, the kind that were so popular in the 20's.

Its unusual that it would have such little power, since these are some of the strongest straight suctions you could find, from what I've read at least.

Whats interesting to me is the mechanical similarity to the later model Reginas, with the handle yoke on the wheel axis, the latch mechanism on the top of the motor housing, the brush strip, etc. They really didn't iterate much from the basic design at all through the years, just streamlined it.

Though its not labeled, I would bet Westinghouse did play a heavy part in the manufacture. This wouldn't be very long after the company's music box side went bust, so they probably wouldn't have had the capital to make everything in-house, just order castings and motors from existing companies and assemble.

Overall, very interesting piece! I love it!

 

[hoover300]

Thank you!

There is a circular switch in there, with a small twist knob like a wall switch. I don't know if it is Westinghouse, but it uses wicks like an old Eureka or a fan so it is certainly an early motor.