Someone paid an equivalent of $2000 for this in 1914 [Restoration]
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Published 2024-04-20
These are quite rare and I had a very difficult internal struggle with removing the unique decal and having it recreated. The original decal contained only a partial image of the "Bissell Frog" and with no high quality images of the full decal online, I was stuck until I came across an old F. Bissell Company catalogue with a large image of a frog on the front that matched. A fantastic graphic artist was able to use it to digitally recreate the decal in its entirety. After that, I sent the file to an awesome print shop that uses modern and old methods to reprint the decal on waterslide paper, just like the original. I think it's the best decal I've ever had remade.
You may be thinking this was made by the modern day Bissell vacuum company, but this is actually a completely different Bissell, so much so that they changed the company name to National Super Suction Company, and had to specifically state that they weren't related to the other Bissell vacuum company in there advertisements at the time.
The rest of the restoration showed how well built this tool was for it's age and I am absolutely loving the original colour. I made a vacuum "bag" out of an old pillow case and I don't think what I truly needed exists anymore, but maybe I will come across something more authentic one day. This tool was sold for $67.50 USD in 1914, which is ~$2000 USD today. You can see the original design patent here: patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/ca/61/97/2d977…
I'd like to thank @CRCAutoUS for sponsoring this video. I've switched to a food-grade penetrating oil from them as a more safe alternative, and it as worked just as well as the usual penetrating oils I've used.
You can check out the products from them used in this video in the links below:
www.evapo-rust.com/
www.crcindustries.com/evapo-rust/
www.crcindustries.com/smartwasher/
www.crcindustries.com/qd-174-electronic-cleaner-11…
www.crcindustries.com/food-grade-penetrating-oil-1…
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All Comments (21)
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i can imagine vacuuming my house dragging a spinning bench grinder
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This is still the only intro on the internet I watch all of on purpose.
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Now I understand why cats originally became so terrified of vacuums.
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I worked for an electrical salvage company and we would rebuild old equipment like this and we could not keep up with the demand. You did a fantastic job and I know for a fact that the biggest reward is to see these historical pieces come to life.
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"combination vacuum cleaner/knife sharpener" is not what I was expecting
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"A buffing wheel has one job, to polish/clean what you have in your hand. A buffing wheel has one goal, to take what's in your hand and throw it across the room."
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The teardown alone had more excitement than anything I've seen from Hollywood in a number of years.
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Every once in a while I watch this channel and think, "tool restoration, what a delightful hobby, maybe I should get into that," and then I watch HTR spend an hour doing battle with rusty brass screws, and I think "naaaah."
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"Damn. How am I going to sandblast my rhinoceros?" "No worries, mate. I know a guy..."
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Just imagine vacuuming away and the grinder catching on the drapes, and this thing yeeting itself out a window
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110 years old. Incredible craftsmanship!
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That rotary switch displays such a range of emotions it's very relatable
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It has that Dr. Seuss vibe to it. Beautiful piece of machinery
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That blue suddenly coming through the years of dirt and grime was such a magical moment! I probably would have bought the thing over colour alone! Interesting how it has some strategically placed locating pins, likely to stop factory workers putting it together wrong...
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I am 46 but I still feel like I am 6, smiling with that childish joy sitting just in front of the screen, watching the intro of his famous show.. I respect, watch carefully and laugh altogether in almost every minute of your videos. So really, thanks for all your "help" to my inner-child. 🎉😊
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I could watch you, AvE and Inheritance Machining all day and it would be a life well lived.
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The electric motor, what can we do with this? Mr Bissell "Everything!"
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Tapps for the decal... PRICELESS!
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THE NOISE the switch makes is simply wonderful
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Watching this on Anzac day here in New Zealand and had a bit of a laugh when the decal was sent to its watery grave with the last post playing.
