Weber Kettle Club Forums
Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: MartyG on June 22, 2013, 02:32:12 AM
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I continue to gather photos of as many date-coded vents as possible. Here's the list of what I have so far. Shooting for the best shot of each year/era as I can come up with. Check the list and post what I'm missing. I know I need the following: D, G, L, and the two-letter codes DO, AA. Clean or dirty, as long as they are legible.
As always, try to make them look like this one: (in focus, full vent straight on with a little room around it.)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8627053841_71cd4e8c00.jpg)
Pre-date-code vents I have:
WEBER BROS METAL WORKS - BAR-B-Q KETTLE - CHICAGO, ILL
WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS CO. - BAR-B-Q KETTLE - WOOD DALE ILL
WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS CO. - BAR-B-Q KETTLE - ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ILL
WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS CO. - BAR-B-Q KETTLE - ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ILL - Pat Pending
WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS CO. - BAR-B-Q KETTLE - ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ILL - Pat 3538906
WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS CO. - ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ILL - Engraved outline Weber text
WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS CO. - ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ILL - Raised stamped Weber text
SMOKEY JOE - Painted Offset handle
Galley Que - Painted and Chromed
WGA - Three hole
RANCH
Date-coded vents I have:
A - 1979
B - 1980
C - 1981
D - 1982 - MISSING
E - 1983
F - 1984
G - 1985 - MISSING
H - 1986
J - 1987
K - 1988
L - 1989
M - 1990
N - 1991
O - 1992
P - 1993
EH - 1994
EO - 1995
ER - 1996
EI - 1997
EZ - 1998
EE - 1999
DD - 2000
DA - 2001
DU - 2002
DT - 2003
DH - 2004
DO - 2005 - MISSING
DR - 2006
DI - 2007
DZ - 2008
DE - 2009
AD - 2010
AA - 2011 - MISSING
AU - 2012
AT - 2013
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And the max size, extra clear, super-duper photo setting, right?
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Right on Buckie! Use that macro setting!
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Marty I can get you the P code in a few minutes when the wide heads out.
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
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Might have a few newer ones too I'll double check the list and add what I've got.
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
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Here is a p code vent let me know if you need another shot of it.
(http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac208/Mbromleyphoto/IMG_0234-2.jpg)
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
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Here is a p code vent let me know if you need another shot of it.
(http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac208/Mbromleyphoto/IMG_0234-2.jpg)
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
Is that P a three wheel wheeler?
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Nice one - thanks!
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Here a picture on an N from my silver
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o749/jperry1907/null_zps9928d1f5.jpg)
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Cookingmomma yes my P code is a 3 wheeler was the first one I grabbed a few weeks ago. I really like it.
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
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Marty I can get you the P code in a few minutes when the wide heads out.
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
Does she know you call her "the wide"? Lol
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I wanna see an EH ... cuz, I'm Canadian ... eh?!!?!! ;D ;D ;)
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Here a picture on an N from my silver
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o749/jperry1907/null_zps9928d1f5.jpg)
Thread Hijack Alert!!!!
Has anyone seen a silver/grey with a vent code other than 'N'?
I have two, Golly and Jperry have one a piece all with the 'N' code
Maybe it was a color they only ran for one year, anyone seen it in a catalog?
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I know I need the following: D, G, I, L, Q through Z (presuming they made these)
Pretty sure P was the last single letter date code, so don't drive yourself crazy looking for Q-Z. ;D
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Good to know! Anyone have a clue how many double letter combinations there were? And are the 2014 kettles devoid of letters altogether? If so, we'll have to sort out the years based on whatever serial number they are laser-etching on each vent.
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The 2 letter date code is pretty easy to keep track of.
It's based on the ten letter word "AUTHORIZED".
A=1
U=2
T=3
H=4
O=5
R=6
I=7
Z=8
E=9
D=0
That means the first would be an EO.
So there would be EO, ER, EI, EZ, EE, DD, DA, DU, DT, DH, DO, DR, DI, DZ, DE, AD, AA, AU, AND AT.
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So here's my updated and properly sequenced list - we're close!
A - 1979
B - 1980
C - 1981
D - 1982 - MISSING
E - 1983
F - 1984
G - 1985 - MISSING
H - 1986
J - 1987
K - 1988
L - 1989
M - 1990
N - 1991
O - 1992
P - 1993
EH - 1994
EO - 1995
ER - 1996
EI - 1997
EZ - 1998
EE - 1999
DD - 2000
DA - 2001
DU - 2002
DT - 2003
DH - 2004
DO - 2005 - MISSING
DR - 2006
DI - 2007
DZ - 2008
DE - 2009
AD - 2010
AA - 2011
AU - 2012
AT - 2013
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I'm a big dummy....keep calling "M" a 1990.....should check in with the "Master List" once a month or something......... :-[
Here's your "L"..........
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Rebellion%20Dogs%206-21-13/RebellionDogs6-21-13028-1.jpg)
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Rebellion%20Dogs%206-21-13/RebellionDogs6-21-13025-1.jpg)
I'll have to send it to you directly, Photophucket actually did what it said it was going to do & the pixel size is too low.....also went out in 105 degree heat about 6 times trying to figger the silly camera's view field at the higher rate.....will try again for a clean shot in the AM.....rather try for a close up of a pissed off alligator right now...... >:(
The wife's OTG may be an"AA"........I'll check that also
On a lighter, cheerier note.....anybody ever notice that there seems to be a ton of "M"'s around....was there a big marketing push that year, maybe?
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I know my Performer is an AA, but it's dark out right now.
Oh, and my Mini-WSM (Joe) is a DO
Looks like I could contribute *IF* I can achieve the same quality is the others have.
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Here's an AU from my mini WSM
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o749/jperry1907/null_zps7780a394.jpg)
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Here's an AU from my mini WSM
Is that a Smokey Joe Gold?
God! I love periodic table humor!
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my Mini-WSM (Joe) is a DO
Marty, if Chad can't get you his "DO" I can take a picture of my Dad's lime green '05 Performer but it'll be a few days or more.
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Whatever and whoever you all can do is appreciated. It's been fun trying to collect them all!
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This thread is so great....
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This is an awesome collaboration! Not to be a pain in the *ss but there was no I date code. 1986 was H code then 1987 was J code. Weber skipped I for some strange reason. 1994 began the two letter era with EH.
Hope this helps. Awesome vent pics.. Lets keep 'me coming! Seems 1982-D is the most elusive example out there.
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Will make the changes - the only PITA would be people not sharing what they know. Thanks for the clarification!
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Thanks Marty! :)
Buckie, you've been right all along, 1990 is M.. ;)
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What?
i'm not a dumbass?
Cooolllll........ 8)
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Does this help? Not the greatest. From my new boy Blue. Didn't take long to get dirty. :( :o :( ;)
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n615/MacEggs/IMG_1793.jpg) (http://s1142.photobucket.com/user/MacEggs/media/IMG_1793.jpg.html)
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n615/MacEggs/IMG_1812.jpg) (http://s1142.photobucket.com/user/MacEggs/media/IMG_1812.jpg.html)
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Both nice, but I love the dirty one! Thanks!
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Two to go! Amazing collaboration of the WKC!
A - 1979
B - 1980
C - 1981
D - 1982 - MISSING
E - 1983
F - 1984
G - 1985
H - 1986
J - 1987
K - 1988
L - 1989
M - 1990
N - 1991
O - 1992
P - 1993
EH - 1994
EO - 1995
ER - 1996
EI - 1997
EZ - 1998
EE - 1999
DD - 2000
DA - 2001
DU - 2002
DT - 2003
DH - 2004
DO - 2005 - MISSING
DR - 2006
DI - 2007
DZ - 2008
DE - 2009
AD - 2010
AA - 2011
AU - 2012
AT - 2013
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I think my brothers 18.5 inch kettle is an AA double checking with him.
Nevermind! The latest didn't pull up doh!
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
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Hey Hogsy, Golly, which one of you has the black '85 G code 18.5? We need a vent pic! :D
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well, hopefully these ones are better, I'll send directly if I can find your mail # Marty, it's around here somewhere.....
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Rebellion%20Dogs%206-21-13/RebellionDogs6-21-13005-2.jpg)
This might be the best, 1280x960, I believe......
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Rebellion%20Dogs%206-21-13/RebellionDogs6-21-13002-2.jpg)
And......from the "Special Projects" Department................
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Rebellion%20Dogs%206-21-13/RebellionDogs6-21-13003-2.jpg)
Never was even in possesion of the handle on this poor little pup.....
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Rebellion%20Dogs%206-21-13/RebellionDogs6-21-13007-2.jpg)
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Rebellion%20Dogs%206-21-13/RebellionDogs6-21-13006-2.jpg)
Here's a better one, but now the sun is gone 109 yesterday & it's going to be 78 & raining late today......
I don't wanna grow up to be a photography wiz....please don't make me....please..... :o
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Rebellion%20Dogs%206-21-13/RebellionDogs6-21-13010-2.jpg)
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Rebellion%20Dogs%206-21-13/RebellionDogs6-21-13012-2.jpg)
OK & here's an "AA"....wasn;t clear if that one got covered?
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Rebellion%20Dogs%206-21-13/RebellionDogs6-21-13014-2.jpg)
And.....a "DO" to round out the set....
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Rebellion%20Dogs%206-21-13/RebellionDogs6-21-13015-2.jpg)
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Whoops...wait a minute....we still need the elusive "D"................ 8)
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Faded black G
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/dwnthehatch/WKK/IMG_20130509_171238_052_zps9286eb6a.jpg)
DE from my Smokey Joe (with a performer vent handle).
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/dwnthehatch/WKK/DE_VENT_zps5945889b.jpg)
AT from my Brick Red Performer Platinum.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/dwnthehatch/WKK/AT_VENT_zps48b1f05b.jpg)
I also have a Green AT Performer Platinum and two brick red AT Kraft OTG vent pics.
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And.....a "DO" to round out the set....
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Rebellion%20Dogs%206-21-13/RebellionDogs6-21-13015-2.jpg)
Looks like CI to me Buckie. ::) Love the others, but the D Bros. are MIA.
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AHhhhhh......
I thought this:
DO - 2005 - MISSING
....stood for Dutch Oven....my mistake.... :-[
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Hey Hogsy, Golly, which one of you has the black '85 G code 18.5? We need a vent pic! :D
That would be Golly
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AHhhhhh......
I thought this:
DO - 2005 - MISSING
....stood for Dutch Oven....my mistake.... :-[
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtfeDls2wuM/TwHbuVzgODI/AAAAAAAAAbE/ANGKz8NHsLA/s320/rimshot.jpeg)
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That's priceless. I was that guy years ago! Played the drums for years. Lounge lizard gigs, you name it. That kit is scary close to one I had.
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Two to go! Amazing collaboration of the WKC!
A - 1979
B - 1980
C - 1981
D - 1982 - MISSING
E - 1983
F - 1984
G - 1985
H - 1986
J - 1987
K - 1988
L - 1989
M - 1990
N - 1991
O - 1992
P - 1993
EH - 1994
EO - 1995
ER - 1996
EI - 1997
EZ - 1998
EE - 1999
DD - 2000
DA - 2001
DU - 2002
DT - 2003
DH - 2004
DO - 2005 - MISSING
DR - 2006
DI - 2007
DZ - 2008
DE - 2009
AD - 2010
AA - 2011
AU - 2012
AT - 2013
First one to get me either of these elusive vents gets a vent poster!
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DO - 2005 - MISSING
Bazinga!
(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn123/baeseman1/WeberVentCodeDO.jpg)
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AHhhhhh......
I thought this:
DO - 2005 - MISSING
....stood for Dutch Oven....my mistake.... :-[
I laughed pretty hard at this well done buckie!
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
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This isn't polished up
If you want a real shiny one let me know
(http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy294/xygswagon/07D84275-D433-4DDA-A2FC-CFCDF693C9A7-242-00000013FCF93134_zpsefbf4a82.jpg)
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Congrats Bman! You got yourself a Poster. Only D to go.
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"D" is left "D", I say.........might have to dig deep for this one......Hmmmmm, maybe, just maybe........
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My 22.5 OTG seems to have both the legacy AT and a full CU______ number. Will get a pic up (cam needs batts!).
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"D" is left "D", I say.........might have to dig deep for this one......Hmmmmm, maybe, just maybe........
Just making sure you're watching Buckie! ;) Check your email.
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I stopped by a local Ace here in Chicago, picked up some leg caps in both black and white, (no 7409 OT kits :'() and noticed that the few AT coded kettles they had in stock also include the laser-etched serial numbers on the vent. I may have to stop back with a camera unless one of us has a 2013 kettle vent they can capture. Is there a letter code for 2014 that anyone knows of?
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I have a 2013 OTG I could get a picture of the vent of tomorrow.
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AH will be 2014, if it is still being stamped on vents.
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AH HA...thanks G$
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(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/17/y6u6a3u9.jpg)
Here is a 2013 kettle vent with a serial number. Also, when registering the kettle online you had to use the first two letters of the serial number, not the "AT". I almost thought the AT would have been the word at and not a code.
I have another 2013 and can tell you both of the serial numbers begin with CN. It will be interesting to see how 2014 turns out.
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Interesting. I just realized the vent cover on my 2013 WSM 22.5 is also serialized. I acquired this in December of 2012.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-O98XhtgbeFc/UeYQoQniBgI/AAAAAAAASdM/shm8TKRIRuY/s800/DSC_6475-1024-PP.jpg)
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I am still shocked they are going through the cost to serial these vents!
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I am still shocked they are going through the cost to serial these vents!
It has to be about warranty. I bet they can track what store the go to. Then you register, they can collect all kinds of data. Wonder what the warranty procedure is now, has anyone read the 2013 warranty that has purchased one?
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Oh i know it is about warranty gl, i am shocked nonetheless. We are talking about $80 charcoal grills not rocket ships or televisions!
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Oh i know it is about warranty gl, i am shocked nonetheless. We are talking about $80 charcoal grills not rocket ships or televisions!
I understand that, but how many free goods have they sent out on the honor system? If they warranty one grill cover per sale because of rust, what does that do to their margin? I bet the S/N#'s today are done by robots, they are paid for after a year(Robots). They have no medical costs, S/S, overtime, ect.. They have put some money into technology, to save warranty costs... Maybe?
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Fer sure, an actuary Has done the calcs and determined there is an ROI here, after 60 years without em. 8)
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When I registered my 2013, they only wanted the first 2 numbers of the serial number.
I know one has already been posted but since I said I would post mine, here you go.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/9311227986_c3fb3ca3a1_o.jpg)
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So it's interesting that some ATs have the serial number and some don't, but here's a clue: CN is the country code for China, (the first two letters of each serial number I've seen) and the vents now say "Designed and Engineered in Palatine, ILL." - usually a tip off that they are built somewhere else in the world. Question is, what are they building here in the States these days, and what is being shipped in?
I'll see if I can check out a boxed unit at Ace tomorrow to see if it has the country of origin on it somewhere, but one of you may have a box they can look at in the mean time. Here's an AT with no serial number to compare with the one above that does.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/9270199123_a277e75eaa_c.jpg)
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That's kind of disappointing to know they're not still making them in the US.
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From what I understand, some parts are produced in other countries but not necessarily the whole kettle. Hence the change to designed and engineered vs made. So, could it be that the legs, wheels, one touch system, etc were made in china with the kettle being made in the us. Isn't that what the recent lawsuit against weber was about?
I don't know the answer but from my limited research, I understood it to still be the actual kettles are made in the us with "certain" parts made in other countries. Also, I believe Weber was making the argument that assembly was still taking place in the us, including the outsourced and domestic parts.
If someone has more info, I would love to hear more about it....
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When I bought my OTS new in 2011(AA), the box said:
"Made in the USA, incorporating globally sourced component parts."
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You can go right on their website and watch the charcoal kettles being produced in the factory in Huntley Illinois... and the gasser's in Des Plaines Illinois...
Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk 2
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I am still shocked they are going through the cost to serial these vents!
Is it a totally unique number?
Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk 2
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Is it a totally unique number?
Hell, that was wat I assumed. Otherwise "serial" number is a stupid thing for us to call them (ya know, if theyr are not serial). Let's figure it out.
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Yes, every one I've seen is different. We'll have to look at a bunch to crack the code. I'm guessing country of origin, model, date of manufacture, production lot, that kind of stuff. Anything to zero in on when and where it came from.
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Here's an AU from my newest brick red Kraft OTG.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/dwnthehatch/IMG_20130812_173550_679_zpsb42b3e96.jpg)
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I have a 'G' if Marty is still looking for one.
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Congrats Bman! You got yourself a Poster. Only D to go.
OK........................................
This takes care of that ^^^^^^^
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Christmas%202013/Christmas2013035.jpg)
It's the Brown Mastertouch from earlier this year.......
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/1st%202013%20chicken/Christmas%202013/Christmas2013007.jpg)
I know Golly's got one....maybe Hogsy or Kendoll, or other OZ-Folk......they pop up more often in OZ ( Mastertouch, that is ) & Alton Brown has one for TV.......don't know that any of the others are "D" code tho................ 8) :o
On this day, I got it from a guy for $25, he asked $30 & there was another for free several miles away.......
Some here thought it was the same one, that he had picked up a quick flip......not so......
This one had dirt / dust & water marks around the wheels when we went to move it out of his grill area & the other one I found had gone just after I had picked up this one......almost had two in one 40 minute drive.......