An Updated Shot of the Grandfather and Grandson

In my post on the 30, I included a picture of it next to what was then the newest model I owned, the Guardian C154B. Since acquiring the C154E, it seems appropriate to feature the oldest and the newest together. Actually, I happen to be using the C154E as my upstairs machine right now, and I thought I'd also take out the 30 for a little light work (I do like using my older vacuums, but I'd never over-use them).

Its fascinating to note that there is approximately 70 years in the difference between these two models, and yet the basic design is the same. The only real noticeable change over the years is the location of the power cord and the direction of the exhaust (from the rear end to the top). When something works, it doesn't need much fixing.

A Little Vintage Vacuuming

It had been some time since I had used these particular machines, and all were somewhat hungry for a little dust and dirt.

The average age of these lovely old fellows is 63 years, or, if you like, a combined total of 251 years! Not content to rest in dignified retirement, all still perform exactly the job they were intended for, perfectly quietly and efficiently. Amazing, and, for an Electrolux enthusiast, heartwarming.

Naturally, these are strictly for dusting and bare floors. None are equipped for a power nozzle (in fact, the power nozzle, I think, hadn't even been invented by the end of the run of these machines), so carpet duty is out of the question. And yet, before power nozzles, that's exactly what these machines were used for. In these days of homes with non-carpeted surfaces, you wouldn't do TOO badly with one of these as your regular vacuum, provided, of course, that you emptied and kept the cloth bag clean, and that you weren't noticeably allergic.

Clockwise from top: 57, 55 3rd version, 30, 55 1st version.

The Grandfather of My Collection

73 years old* and still doing what it was intended for? It must be an Electrolux vacuum cleaner. Presenting the ZB30, made in Canada by Electrolux Canada.

I bought this machine from a fellow collector; it came complete with an original, detachable power cord, and some of the original attachments. Best of all, it still works just fine. At 400 watts (about 3.5 amps, I believe), its amazingly quiet, and has more than adequate power on all bare surfaces. As seen in the pictures, I use updated attachments, and retrofitted an upright hose with the original ball bearing connector (Electrolux Canada used this connector on all their hoses right up to 1973, I believe).

This whole series of Canadian Electroluxes (the 30, 54, 55 [in three different versions], and 57) share the same body style, with gorgeous patterned designs on the main body, and bakelite ends. Bakelite, I believe, is an early form of plastic. The 30 is arguably the plainest of the lot, but its still a very nice looking machine. As seen in the pictures, the body covering has some rips, tears, and dents, but what can you expect from a septuagenarian vacuum cleaner?

Cord. It looks somewhat like an "old-school" kettle cord.

I find the current "bagless" vacuum trend somewhat amusing, considering how paper bags were such a revolutionary development, freeing the user from the need to empty out a dust container after every use. The 30 uses a cloth dust bag and gauze-like after filter (even in the 30's, Electrolux thought after filtration important!), and I empty the bag after every use. Is there really any difference in emptying a vintage cloth bag and a modern "dust bin"? I think not (obviously leaving out issues of performance and filtration on the respective machines).

I have to say, it really is heartwarming to see this beautiful ZB30 still ready to serve after so many years. I wonder how many current machines will have similar longevity?

*I'm in some doubt as to the exact age of this machine. Apparently, it was made from 1939 - 1949, and the year of manufacture can be read from the first digit of the serial number. In this case, the first digit is 9, so it COULD be from 1949. However, the last patent date on the information plate is 1938, and, in addition, my 1949 ZB55 shows various patent dates throughout the 40's, so I'm assuming this machine was made in 1939.

Now, purely for fun, a couple of pictures of the oldest and the newest, side by side, living together in harmony, and not arguing over which one is better! The basic design of Electrolux/Aerus machines hasn't changed radically over the years, has it?