What model Kirby do I have?

[vacdude95]

Hello all,

This is my first post on the website. I recently acquired a very dirty old Kirby. I cleaned it all up and went through it, but realized that the manufacturer's tag on the bottom of the unit is missing. From what I know, I think it is a pre 1955....

Anyway I have attached some pics and was hoping that someone could help me identify which model I actually have. I know that some of the parts (like the bag) are mismatched.

-Any input is appreciated and thank you for your time!

 

[sptyks]

Welcome to Vacuumland Jay.


You will find many friendly people on here willing to help however they can. Your Kirby was definitely made before 1955. But I'm not sure how much more.


 


There is a friend of mine on here that will know for sure the exact model number and year of manufacture. His name is Ben Edge and he goes by KirbyclassicIII. Hopefully he will read this post and chime in with all the info you need to know. Good Luck.


 


-Stan

 

[sptyks]

Jay, I think it is either a model 510 made in 1950 or a 514 made in 1954. 


It's hard to tell for sure because the wheels are mixed colors and the bag is wrong for that time period. Hopefully Ben can be more specific.


 


-Stan

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Jay, and Stan,

It is at least a model 509 if it has the Sweet-Aire port on the Emtor.
More details about the early 500 series Kirbys can be found on Charles Lester's website, here:
http://www.1377731.com/kirby/
http://www.1377731.com/kirby/page2.html

The wheels on your machine were black on all fours. This machine would otherwise be all gray up to the model 512. The foot-switch design also suggests this to be a 512 or older.

~Ben

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Jay,

The other detail I wanted to add was that on all Kirby models from the 3C to the 511 (up to and including serial 383346), the front bearing plate assembly was non-serviceable.

~Ben

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi Jay,

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Welcome to the site. </span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">You Kirby is as " we collectors" refer to as a "Franken Kirby" It is made with mixed up parts.</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">From looking at your pictures I would say the power plant is a Kirby model 510/511/512 (1950/51/52) as it has <a name="start_29103.325159"></a>Sweet-Aire port on the emtor and a toggle on/off switch. The 513 to 515 Kirby's had push/push on/off switches.
</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">The main handle seems to be from a 514/515 and the bag is a non genuine replacement which has already been stated by fellow collectors. The bag hanger cover belongs to a  Dual Sanitronic 50 (1965 to 1967) as well as the cord...</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">I hope this helps you.</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James

</span>

 

[vacdude95]

Thanks everyone for the useful information and tips. It seems like I have a "Frankenkirby" on my hands, but it still works great!

 

[sptyks]

Jay, if you are not a collector, then it doesn't really matter what model you have. As long as it works great, you will have a very good vacuum cleaner. Just make sure the belt and brushroll are in good condition or it will not clean your carpet very well.