I posted a brief version of this to Weber Nation a while back, and the link might be buried in a thread here somewhere, but it deserves a thread of it's own. We've seen a few of these very early "custom" Weber kettles over the years, the unique finish is well...unique.
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8671/27597424124_319bcd8ede_c.jpg)
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8587/27597419814_f5d1b4f03b_c.jpg)
Some call it "spiderweb", or "splatter". Most of them appear to be black kettles with white or greenish-yellow squiggles, but they made other color combinations. So what inspired them to do this? Was it Jackson Pollack - who died the year this finish was introduced? Was the Custom an homage to his contribution to the art world? Unconfirmed sources provided proof that Mr. Pollack was an early Weber kettle fan, and was inspired to apply his talent to at least a couple grills:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7493/28135480641_cef402174b_c.jpg)
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7568/27597416924_41b2374f58_c.jpg)
A more believable answer may come from the Brush-McCoy Pottery Co. From 1911 to 1925, Brush-McCoy made some very unique pottery, but mixed in with the usual colors and shapes was a finish they called "Chromoveil". Perhaps George Stephens and his wife were pottery collectors?
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8718/28135477941_49a1254e1b_c.jpg)
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7474/28212888815_3b6087c2e4_c.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8573/27597849353_7773474b47_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8867/28179280696_99cc4bae35_c.jpg)
Fast forward to 1956, when Weber introduced their own version of this finish with the "Custom". Both 18.5" and 22.5" kettles carried this unique look for a short time. Every one is different. I can only imagine the person who was charged with applying the "veil" to these kettles. As luck would have it, one of the vintage photographs at the Weber Grill restaurant in Chicago (on State Street) shows Weber sales guy Bob Krug introducing this unique kettle at a live cooking event.
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8729/27597679134_63d5421e5b_c.jpg)
The inscription refers to the finish as "Chromavale", but I suspect that was a simple misinterpretation of a unique word. It's the 60th anniversary of the Custom this year. I say they make up a few to celebrate the occasion!
I agree. If they made some 60th anniversary models, I know quite a few who would be ready to buy.
Thanks for the write up. It's a good read.
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Put me down for 1 60th Edition!...we can hope!
Great thread !
C'mon Weber, I'm talkin' to ya !
Would buy.
Great article. I'm in!
I'm in too
Count me in for a least one.
Great photos and storyline. Thanks Marty!
Thanks for putting this together. Really interesting.
Great pics and write up. I want that framed pic from the Weber restaurant for my house ;)
OK, I did my part to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the custom.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2016/10/20/s-l16001.jpg)
Wow looks great gleaming in the sun awaiting some type of meat to once again adorn its grates. Are you going to cook with it?
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Silly question but is the artwork baked into the enamel? I assume they didn't make a lot of these. So cool.
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Thanks for the GREAT post Marty. Awesome info as well as fabulous pics. Count Zee in as I'll be hitting my "60" soon too. Perfect match 😎
Great write up! Love the Jackson pollock pics. It would be a shame if there wasn't some 60th anniversary special edition.
Count me in for when they do. I'll take a blue MT. Chromoveil red stripes with white stars. MERICA!
Great story,I'm in!!!
IN !!!
Quote from: kettlebb on October 20, 2016, 05:22:53 PM
Silly question but is the artwork baked into the enamel? I assume they didn't make a lot of these. So cool.
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Yes it is. How many were made, and how many are left...who knows.
Quote from: HoosierKettle on October 20, 2016, 05:21:14 PM
Wow looks great gleaming in the sun awaiting some type of meat to once again adorn its grates. Are you going to cook with it?
Unfortunately, I don't have it in my possession just yet. It has been a bit of an ordeal with the courier delivery. That picture is from the auction. It was delivered to the wrong address, and it took a bit of time to track it. It's finally where it should've been. Unfortunately I won't be able to get it until late next week sometime.
As for cooking on it?.... probably once or twice. Once I get it, I'll see exactly what it needs for it to look good.
I'd LOVE to find a 22 custom but wouldn't say no to an 18.5 one either.
HA!!!!
I just KNEW Jackson Pollack had something to do with this !!!!
Thanks Marty!!!!
See Here~~>
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/kettle-color/msg14804/#msg14804
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/custom-bar-b-que-kettle/
Marty, thank you for writing this up. I love the historical aspect of these grills. I may never have one, but find them fascinating.
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Great story. I would buy an anniversary grill for sure. And
@Darko needs one to go with his original.
Who's our Weber ambassador to make the pitch?
Not likely I'm afraid - I've checked into this before. Customs require quantities in the hundreds at least - and the full cost must be pre-paid. At one point I was hoping to do a custom WKC Thermapen, but you're looking at around $20K to get the ball rolling. With a custom kettle I dare say you're looking at much more than that.
Last I talked to Weber, I think it was 500 units for a custom kettle.
Congrats Dark!!!!
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My bad,.....Darko! !! What happens when you don't use your glasses. ..lol.
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