Vacuum Cleaner, Hoover 700-series (Unknown)

From The Brighton Toy and Model Index
Jump to navigationJump to search
Exhibit

Vacuum Cleaner, Hoover 700-series (Unknown)

BTMM map 019.gif
location:

Arch Two , Area 19
Antique and Vintage Dollhouse Miniatures (display)


1930s


A cast metal dollhouse model of a Hoover "700-series" Vacuum Cleaner, probably from the late 1920s or early 1930s.

The model has a silver body, black "stick" with silver handle end, and – unusually – a cast metal dustbag, in brown. The inverted triangle badge outline is part fo the casting.

Identification

We don't currently know the manufacturer of this model.

The distinctive Hoover 700, 725 and 750, distinguished by an inverted triangle on the body on front of the electric motor, were made between ~1926 and ~1933, and were a popular model for dollhouse furniture makers – including an "agitator" that competitors could not copy because of its patent, these were considered the best vacuum cleaners on the market.

The casting doesn't seem to correspond to that of the model made by ANFOE for Bassett-Lowke Nuways, and also differs from the British model made by Taylor and Barrett, which had a noticeable centre seam.

The finishing on the casting is comparatively rough, with unfinished edges, and the use of expensive cast metal for the bag rather than cheaper (and more authentic) cloth suggests a smaller company specialising in metal casting, with limited external contacts, who would have had trouble subcontracting the manufacture of cloth bags.