Like all of the higher end machines, Filter Queen's are very well built. My parents bought a new Filter Queen model 31 in 1975. I grew up in a relatively large family(there were ten of us, plus the dogs and cats) living in a two story house with a very large well used yard that offered an endless supply of dirt that we were constantly tracking in. Our Filter Queen was used frequently, carried up and down the stairs a couple of times a week, and even fell down the stairs once. But it took all of this in stride and is still used frequently today. In all this time the only service it's needed was a new cord and a new tool caddy(the old one broke when it fell down the stairs). I personally don't feel that the current models are as well built as the older ones(too much plastic), but others disagree. If you do decide to get this machine you'll want to be sure and use genuine Filter Queen filter cones with it and change them out at the recommended intervals. Since the aftermarket filters don't trap fine dirt particles as effectively, this is an important detail. Using them to save money can lead to motor bearing problems.

In truth, I was so impressed by the way my parents Filter Queen has held up over the years that I got one for myself, but it didn't stop there. Two of my sisters have them as well. In the photos below, the first one is my parents well used model 31 sitting in the hall closet it's called home for thirty nine years. The second photo is my model 31, and the third is my sister's model 31. And finally, the fourth photo shows the model 33 that I recently picked up for my folks so that they wouldn't have to carry the vacuum up and down the stairs any more. As you can probably tell I'm a big fan. So if the machine you're thinking of bidding on hasn't been abused and you can get it for a reasonable price, I say go for it.

"I just didn't enjoy using a canister cleaner on a daily basis."

I don't either, so in my place when I just want to vacuum the carpets I use my Hoover upright. But if I'm going to do a more thorough cleaning, meaning upholstery, curtains, window sills, floors and other horizontal surfaces, the Filter Queen with its assortment of very useful tools comes out. My Hoover has these attachments as well, but they pale in comparison to those of the Filter Queen. Of course at about fifteen years my Hoover is relatively new, so all of its attachments are rather poorly designed plastic. I have to believe they would have been better in the past.

Fair price is hard to say. Too much depends on the condition of the machine, which model it is, and whether or not it still has all of its standard accessories. If accessories are missing and will need to be tracked down separately, that would naturally lower the price. I can tell you that complete model 31's and 33's are commonly found on eBay in the fifty to one hundred and fifty dollar range.

New models retail upwards of two thousand dollars, but I wouldn't be willing to pay even three hundred for one of them. The older models are functionally identical, better built, and can be had for much less.

Well for ten bucks how can you go wrong? Nice score.

I have a FQ and have no problems with flying dust when emptying it in the house.  I just use several layers of newspaper to cover the top of the container and make a tight seal, then quickly flip the container over, wait a couple of seconds for the dirt to settle and slowly remove the container.  Cover the dirt with more newspaper and carefully wrap it up.

Gary

Gary - It's good to hear that you and your new Filter Queen are off to such a good start. With proper care this machine will easily last you the rest of your life. In fact, that would be true even if you were a young guy in your twenties. Maintenance on them is simple, and parts are readily available. I don't have a real clear idea of exactly what your model looks like, but between eBay, the various online venders, and your local vacuum shop, you'll easily find anything that you need. So here's wishing you many years of happy vacuuming.

Of course Sandy is right. I did deliberately set out to assemble a machine like the one I grew up with, and for the most part I succeeded. I've had it for a couple of years now, and when I bring it in to use it it looks and feels so familiar to me that it always makes me smile. It's one of those simple pleasures you here folks talk about, but there's a lot to be said for such things.

Sandy - Thanks for your very funny comment above, though I have to say, I think you're a bit older than me. If I tried to adopt you people would talk. LOL - (then quickly ducks and runs!)

The seller is probably confused about the model number. The B-88 designation applies to the power nozzle. The actual model number for the vacuum will appear on a data plate below the exhaust cap at the top of the machine (the cap seen under the handle). When your machine arrives you'll be able to retrieve it, then you should have no trouble finding information about it.

I totally agree with you about the late model graphics. I sometimes wonder if they put them there to distract people from the dramatic increase in plastic on those machines. As you can probably tell, my personal favorites are any of the two tone machines from the nineteen sixties through the late seventies(like the ones I posted above).

Stephanie - That's a very nice looking machine, either well cared for or lightly used.