Two true Vintage gems: Sweeper Vac & Universal

[crevicetool]

This is what I am basing the guessed date on. This catalog page that Terry copied had a date on it. 1938. There were no machines resembling ours Phillip. This one has dual rear wheels, a headlight, larger nozzle - less "antique" looking. It says too that it has a "pedal" height adjustment, instead of the cumbersome two-knob thing we've got. It's amazing the similarities of that Sweeper Vac and the Universal nozzles. Although I think the one knob control on the SV is better than what the Universal has. I also know that Mr. George Landers in not looking too kindly at me right now for saying that.....

 

[crevicetool]

1940 page, still offering the 440 and an added "economy model?" You've seen those hand vacs on EBay a lot. I've got two of them. One for parts to make a really good one.

 

[crevicetool]

I WAS going to crush your little feelings

all to smithereens and say that your bag - as well as the one I've got are not original. However, I've changed my mind. You can tell in these pictures what the original bags looked like. Then while I was looking for more stuff - I happened on this. It is a little history pamphlet published by the company for some presentation of some kind. Dated December 1943. Look at the bag on the upright - Perhaps yours is an original replacement huh?

 

[crevicetool]

I know this hasn't been much help. And again,I have no idea on the age of these units. LF&C's first vacuum cleaner - an upright - came out in 1919. Have no idea what model number it was either. Take a look at the pamphlet John Lucia posted in the accompanying thread.


Rick

 

[kirbyvertibles]

well thank you sir.

 

[ohio_tuec]

Universal sales brochure

Just found the brochure to your machine on eBay. I have the same model, rebadged as "The Whirlwind" from about 1929. It has a cloth braided cord. Apparently, the ball-bearing motor was a BIG improvement. I have a straight suction Universal from about 1922 that used zinc sleeve bearings, which had a tendency to swell and seize the motor.

- Karl

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Univers...529?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2560941589