Need expert advice on a 1969-1972 red kettle

[cjm7171]

I picked up a red kettle that has the Barb-B-Q "Patent Pending" vent cover.  I was happy with it until I noticed ripples in the top when the light hits it (similar to what "fish eyes" in paint look like).  I figured I had been ripped off, and the lid may have been spray painted.  But now I'm not sure.  When I look at my 1971 chocolate gas kettle, it looks like it has some ripples in it when the light hits it too, and I'm positive it has not been painted.  Anyone have experience with these years?  The color of the red is darker than my 1979 red kettle.  It looks very uniform.  I'm thinking it isn't painted.  Please reassure me if you have one.

[pbe gummi bear]

The ripples your referring too is "orange peel" and is expected in porcelain of that vintage. Long story short, the porcelain coating manufacturing process wasn't as refined as later years which let to thicker, albeit slightly wavy coats. It's still shiny and looks pretty awesome if you ask me.

[cjm7171]

Thank you for the response.  I appreciate it.

[Mike in Roseville]

Pre-Patent Pending 18" with lid rippling.


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[michaelmilitello]

The uniformity of color is not a surprise.  Weber did not do all the enameling in house until 1969. 

Read this.  Cool story.

https://www.weber.com/US/en/blog/behind-the-grill/remember-the-weber-red-kettles/weber-29486.html


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[WNC]

We have a whole orange peel appreciation thread somewhere, not sure how to link it in, but people here tend to really appreciate a lot of "peeling"
Add some pictures


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[Mr.CPHo]

In Praise of the Peel. Pleese post a-peeling pics http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?topic=27068

[bamakettles]

I'm no expert for sure, but I'd say it's pretty normal to have some imperfections.  Most grills that age will have some porcelain areas popped off which is a sign that the finish is original.  If you can scrape the porcelain finish with a flat razor blade without issue then it should be the real deal.  Here's a 69 and a 73 I recently cleaned up that you can compare colors with....last pic is l to r 69, 73, 75 and 87.


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