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Antique The Reeves Pneumatic Suction Sweeper Reeves Vacuum Cleaner Co. London.
Used – Antique
Exceptionally well-preserved antique condition for its age. Main cylindrical body remains remarkably straight with no significant dents; only a few very small shallow dings smaller than a pencil eraser were observed. Original black finish shows normal age-related wear, scratches and patina. Metal nozzle and exposed metal components show expected oxidation and age.
Original striped cloth collection bag is present. Pump mechanism operates properly and the vacuum was personally tested immediately before listing—it successfully produced suction and picked up household dirt/debris from a hardwood floor.
Please review all photographs closely for condition and included components.
Description
Antique Reeves Hand-Operated Suction Sweeper / Vacuum Cleaner
The Reeves – Milford, Connecticut, U.S.A.
Circa 1915
A remarkably complete and functional example of an early American manually operated vacuum cleaner manufactured by Reeves in Milford, Connecticut.
Before electric vacuum cleaners became commonplace, machines like this created suction mechanically. The user manually pumps the handle/plunger, creating airflow through the floor nozzle and depositing collected debris into the internal cloth bag.
This example still works. It was tested immediately before listing and successfully picked up actual household dirt and debris from a hardwood floor using only its original hand-operated pumping mechanism.
The original diamond-shaped Reeves identification plate remains attached and displays multiple U.S. and English patent dates, including dates through February 9, 1915, establishing that this particular example was manufactured no earlier than 1915.
Patent dates visible on the identification plate include:
July 29, 1902
March 19, 1907
January 20, 1914
April 14, 1914
June 16, 1914
February 9, 1915
England July 29, 1913
The body is marked THE REEVES – MILFORD, CONN. – U.S.A.
The vacuum retains its striped cloth collection bag, threaded fittings, floor nozzle, pump/plunger assembly and removable body sections. The upper housing also retains the embossed operating instruction “PULL OUT TO USE.”
Overall assembled length is approximately 48 inches.
Floor nozzle is approximately 8 inches wide.
For an appliance approximately 110 years old, the physical condition is particularly impressive. The long cylindrical sections remain remarkably straight without major crushing or dents. There are only a few tiny shallow dings along with normal finish wear, scratches, oxidation and patina consistent with age and use.
The machine has not been refinished or restored and retains its aged appearance.
An excellent piece for collectors of early vacuum cleaners, antique household appliances, American industrial history, mechanical devices, advertising/display pieces, or early 20th-century technology.
IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFORMATION
The vacuum is specifically designed with threaded/removable sections and will be shipped disassembled as shown in the photographs. This substantially reduces the package size and shipping expense compared with shipping the approximately four-foot-long machine assembled.
Each individual component will be carefully wrapped and protected for shipment.
No alteration or damage is involved in disassembly. The buyer simply reconnects the threaded sections to reassemble the vacuum.
Please examine the photographs carefully. They form an important part of the description and show the actual item, components, identification plate, cloth bag, condition and construction.
Item specifics
Brand: Reeves
Manufacturer: Reeves Vacuum Cleaner Co.
Type: Hand Pump / Manual Vacuum Cleaner
Model: The Reeves / Suction Sweeper
Power Source: Manual / Hand Operated
Original/Reproduction: Original
Time Period Manufactured: 1910–1919
Approximate Year: c. 1915
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Manufacturer Location: Milford, Connecticut
Material: Metal / Fabric
Color: Black / Metal
Vintage: Yes
Antique: Yes
Working Condition: Yes – Tested
Original Collection Bag: Yes
Corded/Cordless: Cordless / Non-Electric
