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Author Topic: Manchester Guy Finds 108 Year Old Sturtevant Vacuum Cleaner That Still Works!  (Read 9177 times)

Offline MVacs

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No, it isn't us, just a guy from the same city. Here is the story from the Daily Mail:

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108-year-old vacuum cleaner rescued from the scrap heap and it STILL WORKS

It was the year a young Winston Churchill joined the Liberals and Salvador Dali was born.

But 1904 was also the year this aluminum American Sturtevant vacuum cleaner No. 4 was made to help bring advances to the cleaning world.

And incredibly, the 108 year old hoover was still working when nostalgic collector Harry Cox, 53, rescued it from a scrap yard during a clear-out at the family-owned paper mill where he works in Salford, Greater Manchester.

The vacuum still even had its the original accessories including wall brushes, floor tools, blowing nozzles, and upholstery tool intact. 

Weighing a hefty 30kilos, nipping around the house for a quick spring clean with this industrial hoover would be a bit of a struggle.

The heavy-duty cleaner, designed for large residences, clubs, hotels, and churches according to the manufacturers’ archives, had been in use at paper merchants W L Coller, in Worsley, from the year it was bought until about 1980.

It remained in the back of a cupboard until the firm cleared out its premises to relocate.

Harry, a factory production manager , said: 'There was a huge walk-in skip in the factory for all scrap metal, beams, old forklifts, you name it. I saw it and I rescued it.

'As far as I can work out they used the cleaner to clean the offices there from 1904 until about 30 years ago.

'I didn’t like to see such an old machine, and a piece of history, just getting flung on the tip. I would really love to know how much it’s worth but it’s hard to find out much about it.


Nostalgic collector Harry Cox, 53, with his American Sturtevant vacuum cleaner No. 4 was made in 1904

'I like to collect things that would otherwise get thrown away, restore them and given them a new lease of life. It makes me feel good.'

Harry’s treasure eclipses by decades others who have claimed to have the world’s oldest working vacuum cleaner.


Despite seeing two world wars, the 108 year old American Sturtevant vacuum cleaner No. 4 is still in working order

In 2007 Archie Cameron, a retired civil servant from Paisley, Scotland, showed the world his Goblin Triumph electric cleaner, model number 45. But it was a mere 71 years old.

And in 2010, it was reported that Bill Whitwam from Leicester had a Hoover Senior in perfect running order, from 1929 - a relative youngster at 81.

Harry’s machine has outlived famous names born in 1904, including photographer Cecil Beaton who died in 1980, actor Cary Grant who died in 1986, American cartoonist Dr Seuss who died in 1991, comedian and ukelele player George Formby who died in 1961 and artist Salvador Dali who died in 1989.

According to the Sturtevant archive, suction for the cleaner, one of a range of eight models, was produced by two revolving fans located in the rear of the machine.

The aluminum end plate was hinged at the centre, the upper half being easily dropped for the removal of the dust screen.

The firm was set up by inventor and mechanical genius Benjamin Franklin Sturtevant, and ceased production in Boston, USA, in 1945.

Harry’s wife Jacqueline does the vacuuming at their three-bed semi, on Downs Drive, Timperley, Greater Manchester.

But while the antique Sturtevant does a perfectly good job, she prefers the comfort of a newer machine.

Harry started collecting Dinky Cars 30 years ago and his passion for the hobby expanded from there.

He now has 4,000 vinyl records, which he plays once a month at the Timperley Taverners social club.

In addition, he has four 1970s Chopper bikes and a jukebox from the same era and he claims his shed, garage and loft are fit to burst.

Harry, who has two sons Jason and Nathan, aged 13 and 11, added: 'I like collecting things that remind me of when a was a child.

'As long as the house doesn’t get too cluttered my family are fine about what I do.'

Not one for being sentimental, Harry plans to sell his treasure trove when he retires so he can buy his dream car, a vintage Jaguar.


Read more: Source


Offline Beardman

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A great thing, I can't believe they were just going to bin it !

I wouldn't fancy carrying it up the stairs though  ;D

Offline MVacs

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It does make me wonder though, why we were were importing American vacuum cleaners way back then?

This country used to actually make stuff back then.

Offline MVacs

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Another picture of the same one.......



Offline 24valve

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Wow - just came across this post.  I've got a Sturtevant No.4 sitting in my garage (doesnt work).  wonder what I could do with it.

Anyone want it?

Neil.

Offline MVacs

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We know a few enthusiasts who would like to have such a thing. Where in the country are you based?

Offline 24valve

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Down in Cornwall - near Liskeard.  Sorry for the delay, I only just saw there was a reply.

If anyone's got any interest in it, please do get in touch.  My email is [redacted] or PM me on here.

Cheers, Neil.

Offline MVacs

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I've redacted your email above lest the spam bots get it. We'll put anyone in touch with you who isn't on the forum.

I'll put it out on our social media.  :thumbsup:

 

 

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