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Pre-War Kirbys
Kirby Model C (Early) (1934-1935)
Here we have a Kirby Model C. This was the first of James Kirby's vacuum cleaners to hold his name. The early C and early R models shared the only bag design to have a filled in round gold Kirby logo. The logo was based on James Kirbys signature.
It was also the first of James's vacuum cleaners to have a motor driven brushroll that increased cleaning performance.
Like the previous Vacuette Electric and Scott & Fetzer Sanitation System, it came with a wide range of attachments and the main handle detached so you could fit a smaller portable handle on to it; This made it more portable and usable on the stairs or in the car.
It was also the first of James's vacuum cleaners to have a motor driven brushroll that increased cleaning performance.
Like the previous Vacuette Electric and Scott & Fetzer Sanitation System, it came with a wide range of attachments and the main handle detached so you could fit a smaller portable handle on to it; This made it more portable and usable on the stairs or in the car.
Kirby Model C (Early)
Cross view.
To access the belt you would remove the front cap and use your finger to engage or disengage the belt.
To access the belt you would remove the front cap and use your finger to engage or disengage the belt.
Kirby Model C (Early)
Side view.
Here is where Kirby introduced the 'Triple-cushion cleaning principle' which deep cleaned carpets and was also 'kind to your rugs'.
The 'toe-touch nozzle adjustor' was introduced to make adjusting your nozzle to the correct height quickly and easily. This feature is still used in Kirbys to this day.
You can see that there are washers behind the screws om the wheels. The washers were used behind the wheels until the early 508 I believe.
Here is where Kirby introduced the 'Triple-cushion cleaning principle' which deep cleaned carpets and was also 'kind to your rugs'.
The 'toe-touch nozzle adjustor' was introduced to make adjusting your nozzle to the correct height quickly and easily. This feature is still used in Kirbys to this day.
You can see that there are washers behind the screws om the wheels. The washers were used behind the wheels until the early 508 I believe.
Kirby Model C (Early)
Rear power plant view.
Kirby rubber bag hanger cover
All Pre-war Kirbys and the Model 505 had a black rubber bag hanger cover.
Kirby Model C (late) (1935-1937)
Here we have the later Model C with the new beautiful scroll style headlight.
The only model Kirby to have this style of headlight.
The only model Kirby to have this style of headlight.
Kirby Model C (Late)
2nd view.
Kirby Model C (Late)
Side view.
Kirby Model C (Late)
Close view.
The belt lifter cover is black with a red Kirby logo.
The belt lifter cover is black with a red Kirby logo.
Kirby Model C (Late)
Cross view.
The round logo on the bag is now hollowed out.
The round logo on the bag is now hollowed out.
Kirby C Series Plug
This style plug was used on the C, R and early 505 models.
Kirby Model 2C (1937-1939)
The Kirby 2C was debuted and the Kirby got the slimmed down headlight and power nozzle that has given Kirby that familiar look which we know and love.
Kirby Model 2C
Closer view.
The black rubber headlight trim that appeared on the slimmed down headlight was on the three front facing edges and two on the inside edges not visable from the outside.
The black rubber headlight trim that appeared on the slimmed down headlight was on the three front facing edges and two on the inside edges not visable from the outside.
Kirby Model 2C
Cross view (reflection).
The belt cover logo was altered again.
The belt cover logo was altered again.
Kirby Model 2C
Side view.
Kirby Model 2C
Straight on view.
Kirby Model C (Late)
Rear view.
Kirby Model 2C
Here we have a close up of the height controller.
As I said on the early Model C
this was part of the Kirby cleaning "Triple-cushion vibration" principle. Easily lifting the carpet to the correct height so that the high airflow could move freely through the carpet and the brush roll would vibrate the dirt free from the carpet fibres.
This feature made it very easy to adjust the Kirby to the correct height compared to other vacuum cleaners on the market.
Also the numbers on the adjustor was filled in red, a nice touch of detailing.
As I said on the early Model C
this was part of the Kirby cleaning "Triple-cushion vibration" principle. Easily lifting the carpet to the correct height so that the high airflow could move freely through the carpet and the brush roll would vibrate the dirt free from the carpet fibres.
This feature made it very easy to adjust the Kirby to the correct height compared to other vacuum cleaners on the market.
Also the numbers on the adjustor was filled in red, a nice touch of detailing.
Kirby Model 3C (1939-1940)
This was the first model to have the larger Sani-emtor and all metal handle that came in three sections with a rubber handle grip.
It had a nice intricate design on the grip.
The fan case was also redesigned to a more curved appearance.
It had a nice intricate design on the grip.
The fan case was also redesigned to a more curved appearance.
Kirby Model 3C
Cross view (reflection).
Kirby Models 2C and 3C
Here we have a rear view of the Kirby Model 2C and 3C. You can now see that the rear housing has changed and the wheels are now all in one piece instead of being seperately attached.
You can also see the difference in size between the Sani-emtors.
You can also see the difference in size between the Sani-emtors.
Kirby Model 3C
Side view.
On the 3C the fan case is curved now but the very top of the case is slightly squared off on the right hand side so the more square side of the headlight sits flush against it. Although on the opposite side the headlight and fan case are curved.
This model was the only one to have two different cut outs on the same headlight.
From the 4C the headlight was curved on both sides.
On the 3C the fan case is curved now but the very top of the case is slightly squared off on the right hand side so the more square side of the headlight sits flush against it. Although on the opposite side the headlight and fan case are curved.
This model was the only one to have two different cut outs on the same headlight.
From the 4C the headlight was curved on both sides.
Kirby Model 3C
Straight on view.
Kirby Model 3C
Right facing view.
You can see the headlight on this side curves round the fan case.
You can see the headlight on this side curves round the fan case.
Kirby Model 4C (1940-1941)
Very similar to the Kirby Model 3C, this model was not out long before production stopped due to World War 2.
The bag material was different to help increase filtration. No longer using the herringbone style fabric.
Also the headlight housing fits nicely around the fan case where it meets the headlight hood. On the 3C one side of the light housing is flat whilst the other side is curved. On this model both sides are curved.
Some of the 4C bags did not have a metal hanger or black rubber cover. It was sealed and the logo design lines ran along the top of the bag.
The bag material was different to help increase filtration. No longer using the herringbone style fabric.
Also the headlight housing fits nicely around the fan case where it meets the headlight hood. On the 3C one side of the light housing is flat whilst the other side is curved. On this model both sides are curved.
Some of the 4C bags did not have a metal hanger or black rubber cover. It was sealed and the logo design lines ran along the top of the bag.
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