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Vacuum cleaners

Hoover produced the first hard-bag upright vacuum cleaner from the mid-1960s called the 'Convertible' (UK models 1124/1128/U5002/U5010), known as the 'Dial-A-Matic' in the USA. These were expensive machines and not liked by repair agents and tended to be disposed of rather than repaired- hence they are quite rare. They were the first 'modern' cleaner with a rigid bag container and CFA ('Clean Fan Action') operation - the dust-laden air is filtered through the bag before it gets to the motor, like a cylinder cleaner. Click on the image for a larger picture.

Hoover cylinder type called the 'Portable' or 'suitcase model', again 60s and 70s, where all the tools were stored on the cleaner like a suitcase, including the hose and extension tubes. UK model numbers are 2194/2209, various colours - blue, green, orange/brown. This was a long-running, popular model in the States, but expensive and short-lived in the UK. Click on the image for a larger picture - (image courtsey of Roger Lang)

Cooking appliances

A company called Stokes produced an early table cooker in the 30s that looked like a frying pan with a radial element inside, for placing over plates, like a sort-of portable electric grill. It was known as the 'Stokes' Table Cooker'

The first automatic, vapour controlled kettles by Russell Hobbs, either K1 or K2. A two-pin socket on the back identifies the early (1956-62) types. The K1 seems to be rare, but there are still some early K2s around.

Electric razors

Any early electric razors, especially pre-war. The more complete the better.

If you would like to donate an appliance to the collection, check first if we have one like it by clicking the Overview button at the top of this page. We shall be pleased to hear from you.