Hand operated vacuum cleaners (pump vacuums) usually had 2 people to operate them, to make the process easier. One person would pump the vacuum while a second would manoeuvre the vacuum to clean. However the early vacuum cleaners were expensive. More commonly purchased by wealthy households to assist the servants with workload around the house.
The image to the right shows A Star Vacuum Cleaner that we have in the shop for sale. This is a bellow vacuum. As you push the bellow down to close; upon opening when let go the bellow would suck up the dirt as the air flowed up the tube.
In 1938 The Star Vacuum was discontinued as desire for a more efficient way of vacuuming had been developing. William Henry Hoover had bought a patent of an electric cleaning machine from James Murray Spangler. He formed the Electric Suction Sweeper Company in 1908 and by 1910 the company was known as Hoover. By the 1930’s a much more efficient vacuum cleaner was available for sale. Simply plug the vacuum in, turn on the switch and the mechanical motor would provide the suction required to automatically pick up any dirt by simply moving the tube of the vacuum where you require the machine to clean. The below image shows a hand held Hoover Dustette Model 100 from the 1930’s that is available for sale in our shop.
If you are interested in the 2 vacuum cleaners we have for sale in the shop, please feel free to visit us instore. We have lots of antique, vintage and retro items for sale.
Freemens Common Antique Centre
8 Counting House Road
Leicester
LE2 7LT
Open hours Tuesday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm
There is a cafe and toilets onsite