Vintage Central Vacuums

portable · Jan 5, 2009

A little later -

That's a fascinating link, Chad (not Jack, sorry). Apparently the newer tower went up in about 1928. There was a fire in the early "oughts" and a reopened Sanitarium reopened in 1903. Quite a story - check out Chad's link above.

briankirbyclass · Jan 6, 2009

Very interesting! Thanks so much!

rolls_rapide · Jan 6, 2009

British Vacuum Cleaner Company

Patented 1901.

http://madeupinbritain.camio.co.uk/index.php?title=Vacuum_cleaner

centralvacs1928 · Jan 7, 2009

Andy those are awesome! How come I never got to see 'em when I visited a year ago?

Actually I think I remember you saying they were at another house at that time...oh well...

How do you come across this stuff?

-Owen

centralvacs1928 · Jan 7, 2009

Fred,

One of your brochures for the old Filtex systems lists "N. Stanitz" as the national sales manager, based on Division Street in Chicago.

This gentleman went on to have his own brand of central vacuums (Air-Flo Systems) private labeled, and these were manufactured by the makers of your SilentMaster. I've attached a picture of a triple motor Air-Flo unit. These are EVERYWHERE in the Chicago area! The smaller, dual-motor version is a little more common, too.

andy · Jan 9, 2009

Owen,

I found all of my stuff on ebay, believe it or not!

centralvacs1928 · Jan 9, 2009

I should pay more attention to eBay! I've gotten a couple old advertisements (Spencer, Invincible, Arco Wand) and a vintage Spencer installation type booklet from the 1910s, but nothing like you have.

pwbeantown · May 28, 2015

anyone want a Spencer central vac, possibly model 211?

Our 1916 house has a central vac which we have not used for years. We are clearing out the basement. If someone wants the Spencer Turbine Cleaner, they can have it.
Phil Boston area 617-527-1762

kenkart · May 29, 2015

Somebody

Better gET THIS..If I had it I guarantee it would be hooked up in my basement!!!

tolivac · May 29, 2015

Older Spencer unit--sounds cool!does the unit still work?

dysonman1 · May 29, 2015

Owen's Spencer Turbine from the 'teens'. Perfect balance of suction (pressure) and air flow. Took this photo during my recent visit to Owen's home in Chicago. Has a very interesting sound as it starts up - like a Hoover model 700 does.

dysonman1 · May 29, 2015

Owen's Ohio TUEC, high air flow but very low suction.

dysonman1 · May 29, 2015

Owen's ARCO-WAND. Very high pressure (suction) but very low air flow. ARCO stands for American Radiator Company.

mtsintra · Dec 23, 2024

central vac system enquiry

Not sure if this is relevant to this thread but have a central Vac system which I would like to renovate .

Motor Wagmer electric MFG Co. Frame RA Model 11V 60 cycles 2HP 1165 RPM 100 - 116 Volts 32 Amps Serial # 86083
Vacuum engineering Co. New York. Size 8x 4 3/4 x 9 Number 8679.
Some parts missing
Photos below
Hope these are useful .
Thank you