My grandmother still uses her Electrolux vac from the 1950s. It’s a canister type that rolls along the floor. It’s looks like a little Buick. Actually that’s not quite true — it looks like a 1930’s Art Deco steam locomotive with the modernistic streamlined fairings, but with lots of 50s style chrome trim pieces. Anyway, it’s a nifty looking thing. And all metal, no plastic.
My mom had one of those.
I seem to remember you could use the exhaust to inflate things like beach balls and those inflatable swimming pools.
I also remember her shaking out the dust bag onto newspapers and then reusing the bag.
It reminded me of an art deco jet engine on wheels.
My mom used a Kirby upright (similar to Electrolux in that they were sold by traveling salesmen) for about thirty years. I think she may still have it, but I’m not sure it’s in working order. That thing was a total beast. I think the only plastic on the entire thing was the handle...everything else was solid metal. It weighed a ton!
}:-)4