Unknown as to how many were produced. If my continued research is right, the Westerner was introduced in 1958 as a MTH kettle, though not shown in the 1962 or 1964, or 1966 catalogs, they featured a grey Fleetwood in '62 (Brian's "Grandpa" Kettle) and George Stephen cooking on a red Aristocrat in the '64-'66 catalogs (same image used in both). The Westerner is pictured again as a MBH 26 in the 1967-68 catalog just like the one that's in the auction, but is gone by 1972. We have yet to see any catalogs from 1969-1971, but its a good bet that The Westerner along with the Estate (Chestnut Coppertone/pink 22) were most likely discontinued after 1968 favor of the Copper Mist (brown) line of kettles by 1969 as evident from the earliest known browns having the Patent Pending vents and we have yet to see any Pat. Pending pinks or Steer heads OR browns with pre patent thumbscrews for that matter.
So in short order..... Westerner estimated timeline of manufacture: 1958-1968
Estimated age of the one in the auction based on its rounded tab lid vent.... 1964-1968 or thereabouts. Note: that is my best guess and NOT fact. This is based on examples we have seen of kettles with wood lid handles but still sport squared tabs on Wood Dale stamped lid vents.
Ok, I'll take my nerd glasses off and may the best Grillfella win.
Topic: Westerner speculation thread (Read 9161 times)