- Item Description
We are pleased to present this antique Vacuum Cleaner for your consideration. It is the Reeves Suction Sweeper which is a hand pumped unit dating to around 1910. It consists of two metal tubes which connect together, a wood and brass handle assembly, and a metal nozzle. A cloth bag is found on the inside. The Reeves is noteworthy for being one of the first consumer products that utilized vacuum suction for cleaning purposes.
The Suction Sweeper is 47-1/2 inches in length and weighs 2 pounds 14 ounces. The metal tubing nearer the nozzle is embossed with the product identification which reads as follows:
THE
REEVES
SUCTION SWEEPER
REEVES VACUUM
CLEANER CO
MILFORD
CONN
The Suction Sweeper is not operational. We removed some dried fragments of gaskets during our inspection of the unit, gaskets that are likely necessary for the unit to create a vacuum. The pump handle moves up and down smoothly. The wood shows little wear except the edge where it joins the metal tubing where some chipping is noted. The black paint on the tubing sections shows moderate wear, and some of the metal surfaces show light surface rust. The cloth bag on the inside shows little wear and looks quite good. We rate the overall condition of the unit as very good (see pictures).
This is a nice example of the classic Reeves Suction Sweeper. It would make a wonderful addition to any collection!
- Item Dimensions
-
Height = 47.500 inches
Width = 0.000 inches
Depth = 0.000 inches
Diameter = 0.000 inches
Weight = 3.000 pounds