Small, hand-held, electric vacuum cleaners appeared in the late-1920s and complemented upright models. These were seen as the electric replacement for the cloth or feather duster and proved ideal for stairs, soft furnishings and the new problem of cleaning car interiors. The Hoover 'Dustette' became the standard type although other models, such as the neat Vactric, offered a range of separate cleaning attachments. This model had a rakish, fluted aluminium motor housing and Bakelite pistol-grip handle, and was also available in combination with a large upright cleaner in place of the usual plug-in tools. Most of the first generation hand cleaners were still in production in updated form until the first all-plastic cleaners appeared in the 1960s: see Hooverette.

• 1930 Hoover Dustette 100
• 1935 Vactric Hand Cleaner
• 1950 Hoover Dustette 100
• 1950 Vactric Duster
• 1955 Hoover Dustette 2614
• 1958 Pifco Vacette
• 1966 Moulinex

1930 Hoover Dustette, model 100 UK Perivale First Hoover hand cleaner, produced in various colours/finishes 1930-1955. Rubber-covered wire hanger for storage. Fixed polished alloy nozzle with rubber buffer, black leatherette on steel body, black bag with aluminium ring, black phenol plastic handle. Expensive at over £4; price comparable with cheapest cylinder cleaners. Toggle switch on early versions replaced by sliding switch. Click here for image of the Dustette in use on the liner, Queen Mary, in the late 1930s. Click here to see the Dustette in use in the 1930s. Click here for the main spread from the user instructions.
c1935 Vactric Hand Cleaner, model HC42 UK Cricklewood Only Vactric hand cleaner, also sold in combination with large 'Airflo' upright. Stylish fluted alloy motor casing (reminiscent of 1930s sci-fi designs) with black phenol plastic pistol handle incorporating sliding switch, dark grey bag. Small universal motor extends into bag space. Accessories: extension tube, crevice and cleaning nozzles and large brush.
c1950 Hoover Dustette model 100 UK Perivale Post-war version of 1930 model. Finish/colours in line with Hoover upright cleaners; gold hammerite finish on alloy nozzle, brown buffer, brown stipple-effect on steel body, brown bag with Hoover roundel logo, dark brown phenol plastic handle.
c1950 Vactric Duster model HC42 UK Motherwell Renamed, post-war version of 1930s Hand Cleaner. Gold hammerite finish on alloy motor casing with black phenol plastic pistol handle, maroon bag. Same accessories as original model, though with gold hammerite finish. Probably produced until company folded c1960. Click for sides 1 2 of the instructions card.
1955 Hoover Dustette, model 2614 UK Perivale Second generation 'Dustette', replacing Hoover model 100. Same basic format but with range of accessories; shoulder strap, three nozzles, short hose and extension tube. Dull blue enamel on steel body, blue zip bag with disposable paper bags. Fixed nozzle version also available using same nozzle casting as model 100. Produced until early 1980s in various colours. Click here to see accessories.
1958 Pifco Vacette, model 556 UK Manchester First Pifco cleaner and pioneer lightweight, all-plastic, hand cleaner, resembling contemporary hair dryer. Tiny 50 watt universal motor, three nozzles. Grey streamlined urea plastic body, maroon screw-on dust cup with brush and other accessories. Maroon or grey flex. Alternative (later?) version with more shallow dust cup/brush and no tools. Registered design number 888,523 (1958). Click here to see the accessories. Click here to see the boxed accessories. Click here to see the box image. Click here for smaller version.
1966 Moulinex No1 France Early all-plastic multi-purpose mains hand cleaner. Uses lighter thermoset plastics rather than themoform, phenol plastic of earlier Pifco. Two tone grey with ribbed maroon handle insert. Two extension tubes, one connector, four cleaning heads. Unscrews in half for emptying dust container. Instructions printed June 1966. Click here to see all components in the box. Click here for whole ensemble. Click here for box graphics (showing various assembly permutations). Click for pages 1 2 or user instructions.