Age of WSM

[chiku18]

I recently got my first WSM via FB marketplace, and tried looking for age (looked even age guide) of this WSM. There is no stamp and no raised lines on vent.

Here are some pictures

[addicted-to-smoke]

With no markings, it might pre-date time itself!

[Mike in Roseville]

There was a period in the early 90’s that didn’t have stamps on the vents. Not sure when the period started or when it ended, but I’d guess late 80’s to sometime into the 90’s. I can’t recall seeing a WSM with a date stamp past 1985/86. I believe I’ve seen an O and and an N before...so perhaps after 1991 or before 1990?


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[chiku18]

Thanks -Was reading more on http://virtualweberbullet.com/determine-age-weber-grills-smokers.html

And it says

There are also a few smokers that have no date  code; it's assumed these smokers are the result of manufacturing errors or they may be pre-production models.


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[Mike in Roseville]

Chiku,

This is true. A few rare early ones have no date stamps. Weber replacement parts also have no stamps. That said, I'm pretty sure there was a stretch in the 1990's that didn't have stamps, either.

One thing I recall reading was that the very earliest legs (and sometimes doors) were made of steel, not aluminum. If it truly is an early one...try a magnet on the legs and see if it sticks.

-Mike

[chiku18]

I just did the magnet test - it doesn't stick either on legs or door,  sounds like early one (before 1981 C codes were released ?).

[addicted-to-smoke]

Take a look at the images at that link, for the C codes. Steel door, steel legs (rusty.) It's unlikely there would be one similarly as old but made with aluminum.

TVWB's age guide is excellent, and more detailed than ours. But I think their assumption re: manufacturing errors regarding why some WSMs have no date code is just that, a guess. What we do know is that Weber is (in)famous for using standardized parts where possible.

Companies like Weber rarely employ archivists, so we'll never know the real story. That being said, it's a safe bet they had a batch of unstamped vents they ran through at some point to save money during the late '80s/early '90s economic downturn, or had excess inventory of them, or whatever.

Here are some questions I have. Would, or did, B, C etc WSMs have handles with The One The Only on them? If so, that handle on yours is "too new." The door may provide a better clue. What years were they diamond engraved like that?

[chiku18]

ATS- Thanks , some of what you wrote makes sense.

Looking at this picture from TVWBB (C Code) http://virtualweberbullet.com/wsmage_photos/clayhouser2.jpg
Handles are same as mine. Can't find much on door engraving.

Mystery continues !!!

[Mike in Roseville]

I just did the magnet test - it doesn't stick either on legs or door,  sounds like early one (before 1981 C codes were released ?).

Well if it stuck I would say it’s older than a B/C code. Since, it didn’t, they are aluminum...and are more than likely from a later date.


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[chiku18]

Well if it stuck I would say it’s older than a B/C code. Since, it didn’t, they are aluminum...and are more than likely from a later date.

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Here I was thinking I got a rare bird  . Thank you Mike for the insights.

[JEBIV]

Well if it stuck I would say it’s older than a B/C code. Since, it didn’t, they are aluminum...and are more than likely from a later date.

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Here I was thinking I got a rare bird  . Thank you Mike for the insights.

I think maybe you are the rare bird @chiku18

[chiku18]

I think maybe you are the rare bird @chiku18

I was living in that illusion till I joined this club and met you.
What a club and group of folks !!!