Wondering how much my kirby 511 might be worth

[trev13]

Hi I'm pretty new to this but just picked up a vacuum from my storage and was wondering if it held any actual value.

 

[repairman]

You'll hear this a lot

It's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

From what I can see, the bag is not original, nor is the trim around and on top of the bag. The headlight trim is also torn and the bag isn't even properly attached. The machine could use a polishing job as well. Who knows if the motor needs new bearings or a fan.

Personally, I would say this is worth about $10-25 and that's being generous.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

trev13

Trevor,

Your 511 was built in 1951, and it would originally have had gray trim all over except for the belt lifter and wheels.

My guess is that this was rebuilt by a Kirby service center in the late 1960s/early 1970s, hence the newer red trim for the nozzle and headlight bumper, the push/push foot switch (both of these first appeared on model 513), and the bag that I see here.

~Ben[this post was last edited: 5/6/2020-23:09]

 

[lesinutah]

Yes

The push push button power switch wasn't on 511. The trim is a rebuild color. The bag is suppose to be open top bag. There is no cord. If it's rebuilt it's got a 4 amp motor.
The wheels are original.
If you don't mind the look and authenticity use it. The 4 amp machines pull pretty good CFM numbers.
My avatar is exactly what yours should look like except bags a black Kirby bag and my cord is brand new.
Worth $20-$50. Someone in my area is selling a Kirby 512 with factory rebuilt in excellent condition. She is asking $50 it's been for sale for 6 months.
Les