I’m gonna start by clarifying that I don’t normally name my kettles. However, the fella who alerted me to it, jokingly requested that I name it after him, so I decided on Black Bertl (sing it to Black Betty by Ram Jam). As you likely guessed, Norbert is that fella. In my overwhelmed laziness, do to hitting the 100+ kettles mark, I really haven’t been scanning the sites/apps much lately. Luckily, I have someone who’s seven time zones ahead, finding me a sweet kettle 25mins. from my doorstep[emoji23]. Messaged the seller, and received no response for two days. Figured it was gone, but thankfully I was wrong. Messaging with the seller moved along slowly, but it all worked out in the end.
[emoji3596] Black Bertl [emoji3596]
This kettle has some serious charm. Nice even, light fade with just a touch of patina. It’s probably the cleanest kettle I’ve ever purchased, that wasn’t NIB. Seller bought it brand new, used it often, and meticulously cared for it. He looked like a parent sending their child into the world when I loaded it up & headed out with it. Just look at the original cook grate, ash pan, and triangle after 50+ years of use:
Had two seized thumbscrews, which were easily remedied with PB Blaster & a touch of heat. Bowl dampers were turned so many times over 50+ years, that they all came off at some point. Seller reattached two of ‘em years ago, and I reattached the other right away.
This acquisition came at a perfect time...just in time for the Chicago meet-up. Brought ‘er along to be my cooker kettle.
Thanks again Norbert ( @Bertl ). Glad my 2,000th post could be about an enthusiastic, upstanding member...and a sweet kettle!!!