A COLLECTOR from Timperley has revealed one of his prize items, a 108-year-old working vacuum cleaner that he saved from being thrown away.
Harry Cox rescued the antique machine from the factory where he works last year as staff were on the cusp of getting rid of it during a move to new premises.
Harry, who was christened Henry, said: “I didn’t like to see such an old machine, and a piece of history, just getting flung on the tip.
“I would really love to know how much it’s worth but it’s hard to find out much about it.
“I like to collect things that would otherwise get thrown away, restore them and given them a new lease of life. It makes me feel good.”
The cleaner, an American Sturtevant, was designed for use at large residences, hotels and churches.
It came equipped with wall brushes and an upholstery tool, which are all still in perfect working order.
Harry found it while working as a print finisher at Worsley paper merchants WL Coller.
It was manufactured in 1904, when King Edward VII was on the throne and while Theodore Roosevelt was President of the United States.
Harry, aged 53, of Downs Drive, started collecting Dinky Cars 30 years ago and his passion for the hobby expanded from there.
He now has 4,000 vinyl records, which he plays once a month at the Timperley Taverners social club.
In addition, he has four 1970s Chopper bikes and a jukebox from the same era and he claims his shed, garage and loft are fit to burst.
Harry, who is married to Jacqueline, aged 43, and has two sons Jason and Nathan, aged 13 and 11, added: “I like collecting things that remind me of when a was a child.
“As long as the house doesn’t get too cluttered my family are fine about what I do.”
Not one for being sentimental, Harry plans to sell his treasure trove when he retires so he can buy his dream car, a vintage Jaguar.
G=Harry's vacuum cleaner has outlived some well-known figures, also born in 1904.
They include photographer Cecil Beaton, who died in 1980, actor Cary Grant, died 1986, American cartoonist Dr Seuss, died 1991, comedian and ukelele player George Formby, died 1961, and artist Salvador Dali, died 1989.
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