My first rescue!!

[JDD]

I just happened to drive by a garage sale, on my way to work, and decided to check it out. Of course you all know what was on my mind.  There were 3 newer model black kettles priced very high for being used so I asked if they had any others and the nice lady pulled this out from behind the garage.
Is this a grey color or just a very faded black?  It is grey all over and I can’t find any black spots.
It has a very odd looking D vent code stamped in a different position from other codes I‘ve seen. This kettle is an MBH, daisy wheel (three wheeler), with a 2 rivet wood lid handle. According to the Weber Age Guide “The 1981 kettle lost the metal handles on the side of the bowl. They were replaced with wooden handles. The wooden handles also switched from the 2-rivet handle to a single screw.” How can this be stamped with a D code? That would make it a 1982.
It is missing the ash catcher so if anybody has one for sale please PM me.
,, , ,

[dazzo]

First off, nice rescue!

I vote faded black '78

The D is strange, but with my limited experience, I'd say it wasn't a date stamp.

Oh, wait. It was a special edition throw-back limited release model from 1982. Yeah, that's it     

Good job.

[glrasmussen]

Not sure, but it might be a 78 model. Think the "D" stamp might indicate demo. I think it is a faded black. Take some Pam and wipe a spot. Handles and leg sockets look darker in the pictures. Still a nice find and rescue.

[SixZeroFour]

Cool find! I agree with the 78' age estimate and also that the "D" isn't standard issue... It could be demo like glr noted, or possibly someone stamped their own initial in the vent?

[glrasmussen]

JDD, here is a picture of one I used to have. Didn't make sense either.

[SixZeroFour]

Interesting! So it must be a factory mark of some sort... Or some guy with the initial D had some sweet kettles in his day

[jcnaz]

Nice old kettle.
I am interested in seeing the results of the Pam test.

[dazzo]

Interesting! So it must be a factory mark of some sort... Or some guy with the initial D had some sweet kettles in his day

We gotta meet this "D" guy!

 

[1buckie]

[Taz]

Nice rescue.  Another vote for 1978.

[1911Ron]

Nice score!

[GregS]

it's not uncommon for there to be mid production change units in other industries that carry parts of both years during a model change.

rather than leave parts unused they just finish using all of one thing before switching to the new whateveritis. 

the car industry used to do it, or at least AMC did.  my buddy's '70 AMX (per the title) had a '69 rear end, tail lights, bumper etc and it was purchased new by his dad.  same thing with gibson, fender and plenty of other guitar manufacturers so i'd assume it'd be no different with weber.

leaving inventory unused is waste, and companies simply don't like waste as it cuts into the profits.


congrats on the faded beauty!  very nice! 

[JDD]

Thanks for all your input guys. I will put some Pam on it as soon as I get home to see what happens. I really like the grey color so I hope it does not turn black. Will Pam bring back the original color for very long?

[1buckie]

Try it all the way down under on the bottom & if it's not how you'd like, just water wash it.....

The oiling will last for maybe a few months, less if you're cooking on it all the time & heating it up.....

Personally, I like the old faded gray look...........oh well, a touch of gray...kinda.....




Yours looks pretty nice & even.....maybe keep it like that ?

[JDD]

Try it all the way down under on the bottom & if it's not how you'd like, just water wash it.....

The oiling will last for maybe a few months, less if you're cooking on it all the time & heating it up.....

Personally, I like the old faded gray look...........oh well, a touch of gray...kinda.....



Yours looks pretty nice & even.....maybe keep it like that ?

Yes indeed and every silver lining's got a touch of grey!