Vintage Kirby Vacuum Antique 1955 Model 515 Museum/Show Condition

Description: This offering is 'one of a kind' and for people who can appreciate and afford the best... This 1955 515 was the last model within it’s series. Kirby made innovations from the original 505 model that are within this machine that were later reflected in future models with more motor power, a new lighter head system and a better bottom plate and brush roll. The color scheme is a very handsome red & gray. The rare cord is 2 toned as the cord portion is gray with unique red ends. The new old stock bag assembly from 1979 is also gray with a lower red accent. The spring that secures the bag assembly to the handle hooks has been removed and a ‘50’s chain and ring hardware is now in place. The rare vintage bag coupling is die cast and matches well with the machine’s period styling. The red wheels are new old stock matching red. The lower handle has been carefully adjusted to where it fits tight and sits upright like new. The metal fan is in excellent condition and with NEW BEARINGS, the motor runs like new. The bottom plate gasket is original and like new. New switch. Like new vintage brush roll and belt lifter. Machine’s housings were all hand sanded using 4 different grits and then finely polished using 3 different types of machines in a rather slow careful process. The newer style bag system provides both a lighter and more balanced unit, but also gives leak-free HEPA type filtration while vacuuming. An extra HEPA bag and a 3M Filtrete bag are provided. Bonus that ALSO comes with this machine (and as seen in some of the pics) is the vintage cloth shakeout bag assembly with matching red bag guard, emtor and red tray. While the antique bag looks pretty good, it is very old and leaks some dust (not unusual). I suggest using that item for the purposes of ‘show’ and not for regular vacuuming. If you'd rather have a new red cloth bag, I can substitute it at no additional cost. Note: If you only want 1 of the 2 bag systems, message me and I will adjust the listing for you downward $50. If you go with the shakeout/emtor system only, I can substitute a red cord in place of the red/gray cord. If you want both bag systems and both the gray/red and the solid red cord, just $20 extra for both cords. Although not pictured, a solid red cord will be in commensurate condition as the red/gray one pictured currently on this machine. The machine comes with a nice polisher. The handi-butler is not complete and box is a bit weathered, but looks congruent with the theme here. If you don’t care about the handi-butler, I won’t ship it and will take $20 off. As you can also see, the machine also comes with a plethora of rare vintage paperwork which includes a Kirby songbook from 1956 used to fire up the faithful to Sell! Sell! Sell! 😁Finally, one may admire the beauty of this machine, but not to lose sight that it's a REAL VACUUM that cleans amazingly well and it’s ready to give good service for many years again. If you desire customization that is not mentioned above, message me and I'll see if I can accommodate what you'd like. Congratulations ahead of time to the new owner of this fabulous and collectible piece of mid-century Americana.

Price: 595 USD

Location: Gainesville, Florida

End Time: 2024-10-02T14:28:25.000Z

Shipping Cost: 49.95 USD