Very rare Montgomery Wards Branded Eureka Ultra...

[TheSpiritOf76]

I have been in question if these were even in existence for some years now, after seeing a package of Montgomery Wards Type Z bags, that not only boast that they fit the Eureka Ultra Series, but also gave 4 Montgomery Wards model numbers too. I had asked several well versed collectors over the years, that may have also been old enough to see such a thing new in store, but to no avail. Until now........

Facebook market place certainly can be a compliment to things like Craigslist. It seems to clean up the ends of what one might be missing, this is one of those cases. I saw a listing for a used vacuum sale, and this machine was part of it. It being a Eureka Ultra, I was intrigued as it was, then I saw that I didn't have the Eureka name on the front of the bag like they usually do. Then I noticed the Wards letter style. I couldn't believe it. Turns out it was being sold by a local Mom and Pop thrift store I frequent, they know me there so making certain arrangements was not difficult....and here it is.

It is in good basic condition, just needed cleaned. Nothing was broken or damaged. After clean up it is as good as new! I am very pleased! I also have the matching purple Powerteam canister to match, I was the FIRST powerteam I ever got, and now it has a mate. They are both dated 1986. So they are the last of the Wards branded machines before Montgomery Wards started offering name brand products.

 

[suckolux]

I had one, I want to say Almond? Brother's was that color. Both the handles broke

 

[broomvac]

That is a very cool find, indeed.

I can't say I've ever seen a Montgomery Wards branded Eureka Ultra. Nor, in fact, have I come across a Eureka Ultra with a vinyl bag. Did any of the Eureka branded models receive a vinyl bag, or was this a feature of the Montgomery Wards model only?

Thanks for sharing!

 

[fan-of-fans]

I like the color and the blacked out lens! I have a package of MW Eureka Mighty Mite bags with those squares. At least I think I still have it with my MM stuff.

 

[TheSpiritOf76]

Broomvac...

I actualy have a regualr Eureka Ultra too. Mine is a lowerline model that has a belnder motor, as well as a vinyl bag.

 

[TheSpiritOf76]

Sorry for the wait Broomvac...

I had to get on my PC to post these picture. Here is my other Ultra, that is indeed actually a Eureka Ultra. Also notice the slight hood variation too. Seems the higher end ones have a the sightly larger hood.

 

[broomvac]

Ah. So at least one of the Eureka models had a vinyl bag, too. I haven't seen many Ultras, so I didn't know that was possible.

I notice your Eureka does not have a bag topper. Is it missing or did the vacuum never come with one?

Thanks for sharing!

 

[vac-o-matic]

Hey Jae...I remember seeing an Ultra in a rust color and believe it was branded MW with the later hood design and it had a switch in the handle! It must have been a very limited model as I've never seen one. Do you have any older catalogs that might show that model? I know I didn't dream it..well..pretty sure..lol. I do have the gray Ultra ESP and always liked the way it handled and being a deep cleaner.

 

[TheSpiritOf76]

Rick...I believe you could be entirely correct!

As you might have noticed from the picture of the bag package there are 4 Montgomery Wards model numbers listed. Someone previously mentioned a almond colored one. Then there is mine, which is most deffently a midrange model. Being how it has a 5.5 Amp motor, and Vibra-Groomer II. The one your describing has to be a Top of the line. So all that would make perfect sense. So with those mentioned, thats 3 out of the 4. Anyone have any idea what number 4 could be?

Unfortunately, I don't have any catalogs to see this line. I wish I did. I do know like O said before, mine is dated 1986, and so is my powerteam too. So I would assume that the others would be around 1986 too.

 

[oreck_xl]

I have the same almond color Ultra as TheSpiritOf76's pictured above. AFAIK, the vinyl bag was the early model offerings, later they switched to fabric. Personally I like the look of vinyl better and it's very easy to wipe clean with a damp sponge. Why some have bag toppers and some don't is a mystery. Hoover did the same thing with their PowerMax line, the final incarnation of the Concept One - some had some didn't.

 

[TheSpiritOf76]

Well actually.....

upon doing some research. I found that there are two of those tan colored Eureka Ulra's that to the naked eye look the same, but are slightly different.

The one I am posting the picture of (not mine by the way), is a ESP model. As you can see on the top corner of the bag, it being a ESP means it has a 6amp or more motor. That would explain why that one has the bag topper and mine doesn't. Mine is a 4.0Amp Blender motor. So that is probably most of the mystery.

 

[crazykirbydude]

So did these have a vertical motor like a Sanitaire or a horizontal motor like the Bravo?

 

[broomvac]

It has a vertical-shaft motor, like a traditional Sanitaire.

The vacuum in the link below descended from the Eureka Ultra.

https://www.sanitairecommercial.com/p/duralite-sc9050d