Featured here is one of the oldest documented grills that we have in the Weber Kettle Club. This grill belongs to the proud owner and site member, Greg, aka…glrasmussun. This is the 22″ Weber “Texan” which is dated from 1960-61. Attached below is Greg’s own story of how he originally found the grill, then nearly lost it, and almost 2 years later – had the good luck to have a second opportunity at it. Here is how he found it that special day.
The first time Greg saw the Texan
Greg’s Story
Back in August of 2013 me and my bride were out for a bike ride. We decided to go
off our normal beaten path and travel into a neighborhood we hadn’t visited. We came around a corner
trying to head in the direction of home. I spot a Weber Grill in a driveway. I tell my wife this is an old one,
turn around and the gentleman walks out. I walked up and greeted myself and we got to talking about his
grill.
His wife had purchased it around the time they got married. It was their cooker. Thanksgiving Turkey always,
but only up to 14#’s. I had asked if he was willing to sell or trade. He said “Greg, since my wife has passed, it is a little
difficult at this time. My fiancé would like it gone. Tell you what, if I ever do decide, you will be the first I contact.”
Last year I sent an e-mail just to let him know I was still interested. No reply.
May 15th 2015, out of the blue, I am contacted by the owner via e-mail. Reply sent
immediately, but no reply back from the gentleman. Heart rate up, finally three hours later I received a reply.
Deal was struck and was in my garage that night. Great gentleman, avid Weber guy too.
Feel pretty blessed and this grill will now be a family heirloom.
Restoration/Clean-up and final photos of the Texan
As you will see, Greg spent a great deal of time on details in getting this grill back to its original factory condition. This grill came with steel legs that were originally chrome plated. The before and after pictures are pretty amazing.
Yes, The Penthouse actually does exist. This NOS one is currently up for auction on Ebay. As shown in the assembly diagram, it was designed to be hung from a balcony railing. Hopefully this will land in the hands of a WKC member and we can get more detailed photos of it.
It’s not unusual for Weber kettle enthusiasts to have friends who look out for them. Recently, glrasmussen received an alert about this rare machine. Its color, Avocado, and design details identify it as “The Caribbean” in old Weber catalogs. This one is likely from 1968, because the dark ring is located high and narrow. Later…
Pictured here is a very nice example of a 22″ yellow kettle from 1973. This is a patent number kettle featuring metal bowl handles and a twist on ash pan. It also features small turn tabs on the bowl vents along with plastic wheels and rubber treads. Yellow finish was introduced as an option beginning in 1973. This…
Grill: NIB Offset Smokey Joe – Red Owner: Harris92 Story: This is a NIB 1972 offset handle red Smokey Joe. The original owner won it in a contest as a second prize. This grill was purchased on Ebay from a professional seller. The seller stated that in 10 years of selling she had never received so…
Hanging out on the wrong side of town netted ramsfan this red wonder. Originally used at a summer home at the Lake of the Ozarks by the original owner, this super rare Weber grill was well maintained. Grill: 1964 – 22.5″ Weber Wood Dale – Red Owner: ramsfan Story / Original Forum Post
This could be the template for how to tell a great kettle story. Suspense, drama, mystery…it has it all. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the excellent documentation.
Greg – congratulations to you. What a great story and an amazing restoration. This kettle is the prime example of Rescue, Restore, Respect.
Winz
This could be the template for how to tell a great kettle story. Suspense, drama, mystery…it has it all. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the excellent documentation.
Greg, that is beautiful!
jcnaz