Vintage Kenmore Thread

[dysonman1]

The Lady Kenmore Whispertone model 90, and the Kenmore Whispertone (in pink) model 80. Different? Color of course. The model 90 has a two speed motor plus the full bag indicator.

 

[petek]

Kenmore flower power uprights

Used to be a lot of these around in blues, greens and browns

 

[normvac]

Guys

Thanks to all of you for the parade of Sears, Kenmore Vacuums
I have mentioned before that when I was younger, I was NOT interested in Sears
vacuums. But since my vac shop days I have learned to appreciate
them. I do especially like the older ones !
Norm

 

[collector2]

Hey Tom - Love the picture of the 90 and 80 together. I've seen them both before (Have the 90 need to find the 80) but never together.

Doug

 

[electrolux137]

I'm surprised no one has posted photos of the crown jewel of the Kenmore product line! I wish I had photos of a nice, shiny restored specimen. I no longer have the one in the photos below; I have another one that's complete but taken all apart and awaiting restoration.

 

[kobedozer]

vintage Kenmore

Here are my old 116's does anyone know anything about these?

 

[hygiene903]

They appear to be the economy model from the late 40's & early 50's. The one I have (tan & burgandy model shown earlier in this thread) would have been the midrange tank, and the Kenkart would have been top of the line. The one with the strap handle is probably the older of the two you have.
Jeff

 

[kenkart]

116

Just designates manufacturer, Birtman before mid 1957, Whirlpool after, they are as stated above, late 40s early 50s, I need to dig out the catalogues and see.

 

[kobedozer]

kenmore

Thats what i thought, the one with the strap handle is an inch or two shorter and has a cloth cord and a less powerfull motor.

 

[collector2]

Here's a copy of the 1952 Sears Christmas catalogue that shows one of the ones above.

 

[stricklybojack]

This one.

Yes(!), love the light.

 

[smow69]

kenmore

here is one of mine

View attachment smow69++3-6-2014-23-46-58.jpg

 

[smow69]

kenmore

shampooer like mine

 

[beevac]

reply # 11 this thread.

The tunis blue Kenmore upright in the center of the picture is model 116.7480 & is the last model of this design which Whirlpool so unwisingly discontinued in 1958. I own the earlier 116.719 from 1950-52 with a shakeout moleskin cloth bag. THe 7480 uses F&G standard bags. This premium upright has a 4.8 amp motor bigger than Hoovers & Eurekas of the 50's This series started in 1947 as model 116.716 the 716 &719 were burgundy in color. All of these had 6 wheels a Birtman exclusive.

 

[rugsucker]

Kenmore

These need to go out of my building...
... should they go in your collection

 

[caligula]

What about the 'Bugeye?' Where's the Kenmore 'Imperial?'

 

[dysonman1]

This Bug Eye Imperial belonged to David Watters, who sold it to me. I had it for a long while, and then sold it to former VCCC President Charlie Watrous. It now lives with him in glorious splendor.

 

[electrolux137]

 


 


There's a Bug Eye on eBay right now...

 

[dysonman1]

Other than the two odd headlights, it’s three amp motor did an average cleaning job on the carpet. A Singer of that vintage would have a lot more zip.

 

[beevac]

Budget models Kenmore tanks

This thread shows 2 gray crinkle finished tanks that I haven't seen since the 1950'sThe one with the bail type handle ,cloth cord, & toggle switch is model # 116.7350 which has a one stage motor and is bottom of the line budget model. I have never seen this or the later 116.7351 out in the field. I do own a model 116.7242 from 1955 which has the same 2 stage motor that was in the model T 12 Bee Vac tank.