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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: btcomp on March 10, 2012, 05:24:43 PM
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Okay, I had seen this before, never paid attention to it. And I am cleaning out my late dad's attic and I decide to take this home, and I lightly cleaned this with a damp cleaning cloth. It is a Bissell Elite "Cyco" Ball-Bearing sweeper. It was made in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The home is in Michigan too. The patents on the back are from July 14,1896 to 1909.
I don't know if it was in the attic when my uncle and grandmother moved in the home in 1946 or left by the people that sold the house.
I did try to pick up some debris on a rug, and the wheels do move though I'm sure they could use a bit of lubrication. I don't know when last used, but I would say it hasn't been used since at least the 1950s and probably earlier!
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If you google the name there are many references to the Bissel Elite !! Could have been made anytime between those dates and through the 20`s that I found !! Name could have been changed as years progressed but similar sweepers were popular through the 50`s !! Shopgoodwill sold one last year but didn`t have the original handle for $5.00 !! I would guess yours probably still works pretty good if cleaned and oiled and might bring about $20. to $25. !! Not a great collectable but still neat to have !!
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Thanks Mart,
It might pay to hang on to. One of the wheels has a chunk knocked out. So it doesn't pick up very well. It might make a great conversation piece to display. I almost through it out. Probably was brought to my family's home in 1946 used a bit and then stored in the attic. I don't imagined the owner back in 1946 would have left it there!
I have to remember to bookmark the threads, I keep forgetting so sorry if I answered late, I just have been overwhelmed at finishing my dad's estate.
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I understand about that !! If it were me,, I would keep it !! I used to have one of the 50`s models and used it daily !! I would still if I had one !! They are quite handy and more convenient that my big vac !! Great for quick pick ups !! And I have two large vegetable gardens so I have a lot of pick ups !!