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I still can't believe I scored this 1956 Weber Bros Metal Wks Kettle!  I've been in a bit of a slump and was just thinking about how I have not been able to find any decent scores lately and then this! Here's the story:  on Friday eve a good friend of mine, who installs garage doors for a living, sent me a picture of this kettle he saw in a garage at his job site and said the lady was interested in selling it. After I was able to catch my breath from seeing the picture, I contacted the lady and told her I was interested. She asked if I knew how much it was worth?  I told her it is a very old grill and a collector's item.  I said it could be worth decent money depending on the shape it's in, I said, honestly its worth whatever someone is willing to pay and how bad they want it.  I told her I would have to look at it to decide how much I was willing to pay. We set up a meeting time for the next morning.  I was running late for my step son's opening day high school football game or I would have already been on my way over there. I was not in too big of a hurry knowing that the kettle was hiding in her garage and not advertised.
When I arrived in the morning she immediately advised me that she had contacted Weber to see how much the kettle was worth and she also mentioned she had spent the morning searching eBay to see what she could discover.  My heart dropped and a couple bad scenarios quickly passed through my brain. Did Weber offer her big bucks? Did they tell her it was worth a million dollars? I really thought I would not be going home with it. I do have to give the lady credit for doing her home work.  Weber did tell her it is valuable and a collector's item. They also told her whatever she decides to do with it  do not give it away for free because she may be able to get a lot of money on eBay.  I'm not sure if they gave her any figures but I do know she was not going to let it go for cheap.
It turns out she was a very nice lady and very savvy business woman.  She told me the kettle was purchased by her father in law new in 1956. When he passed  nobody but her husband would take it.  They used it a few times and it has been stored in the garage ever since.  Her husband passed away about 5 years ago and she has recently been trying to clean out the garage since he was a bit of a hoarder.  I spent about an hour with her talking about her husband, talking Weber and negotiating. Surprisingly she knew an awful lot about Weber and her research paid off.  I told her I was not leaving without the grill. We did strike a deal and both parted very happy. I told her I would send her some pictures after it was all cleaned up. So here it is: before and after. The black is not faded at all!
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/before1.png)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/before2.png)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/before4.png)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/before3.png)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/after8.png)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/after7.png)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/after6.png)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/after5.png)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/after4.png)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/after3.png)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/after2.png)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/after1.png)

OMG, that is beautiful.  Congratulations on obtaining your grail, and agree, SCORE OF A LIFETIME!


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Wowwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That's awesome.


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all sorts of awesomeness right there!

Holy cow what a grill and story

Fuken speechless! Calendar worthy right here.


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Jaw dropping beautiful, right there!

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Wow amazing score! It's always great to hear the back story especially with a kettle this old. Great cleanup as well. Definitely some calendar worthy photos.


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That's a beauty!!

 Holy shit!
That's fucking  beautiful.
Congrats Jim.

OMG.. Congrats!! What a score!! It looks grate!

After recent Ebay 's value and this being on home page of WKC, this indeed is SCORE OF LIFETIME.

Congratulations for amazing Score !!!

Absolutely awesome!!!!

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Congrats!  That's a grate score!

WOW ... WOW ....WOW   Ok. Now you can stop looking for killer deals because your never going to top this one.
Congrats on the killer of all finds !



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Congrats JDD! What a story and find! It cleaned up beautifully!


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very nice score there

Wow, amazing find, great story, and in amazing shape.  I hate you!  LOL.   Hopefully the lady is happy to know it is in good hands and is being shared via online pictures with thousands who are very appreciative! 

Congratulations! That would be the pinnacle of anyone's kettle collection. Great job!


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Just awesome!!! Great job on the clean up, and congrats!!!


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Great score and story!!

That is awesome! Great find!

Simply amazing!

 Set nice find. She is a beauty


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So awesome. Congrats!

Looks great!  What a find!


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BooYah! One for the front page, and maybe the gallery!  Whaddya say, @Troy?

Wow!  Congrats on an amazing score!  What a treasure!

Holy fucking wow! Amazing score and story.

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Whoa!!! That is the score of the year right there! Congratulations!! Super jelly!




HOLY GRAIL: 1960s Glen Blue aka The Imperial

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I woulda traded her my car.... the cars probably worth less tho haha

Quote from: LiquidOcelot on August 28, 2017, 02:40:06 PM
I woulda traded her my car.... the cars probably worth less tho haha

The car he'll how about both exwives their cars and some cash to boot

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Congratulations.  What a sweet find.  The condition of the porcelain, wheels and ash triangle are amazing. A true survivor and a benchmark example as to how one should be restored to. 

Beautiful!


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Holy Shit!!!! That is fantastic. Congrats.

Wow, that's an excellent find!

Quote from: JDD on August 28, 2017, 10:33:39 AM
We set up a meeting time for the next morning.  I was running late for my step son's opening day high school football game or I would have already been on my way over there. I was not in too big of a hurry knowing that the kettle was hiding in her garage and not advertised.

I'm glad everything worked out and you were able to arrange a deal with the lady that both of you were happy with  so you were able to get the kettle, and you were able to get to your stepson's football game.  That'll mean a lot to him now, but more especially when he gets older.

That looks awesome really nice shape congratulations, how is the inside leg sockets it looks like it spent most of its life out of the rain for sure


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Quote from: Lightning on August 28, 2017, 04:25:50 PM
Wow, that's an excellent find!

Quote from: JDD on August 28, 2017, 10:33:39 AM
We set up a meeting time for the next morning.  I was running late for my step son's opening day high school football game or I would have already been on my way over there. I was not in too big of a hurry knowing that the kettle was hiding in her garage and not advertised.

I'm glad everything worked out and you were able to arrange a deal with the lady that both of you were happy with  so you were able to get the kettle, and you were able to get to your stepson's football game.  That'll mean a lot to him now, but more especially when he gets older.

Hey thanks @Lightning, that makes me feel good. You know I have to admit, the thought did cross my mind to blow off that game. Very few things are more important than scoring kettles.

Quote from: northwestkettle on August 28, 2017, 04:25:53 PM
That looks awesome really nice shape congratulations, how is the inside leg sockets it looks like it spent most of its life out of the rain for sure


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The inside leg sockets had very little rust and are rock solid. Speaking of rock solid, I need to post some pictures of the cooking grate.  It is incredibly thick, I've never seen anything like it.  Also, the leg socket tubes are like twice as think as new ones.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a dream come true! That thing is awesome. Congrats, and you owe your buddy for the rest of your life!

Quote from: JDD on August 28, 2017, 04:50:39 PM

Quote from: northwestkettle on August 28, 2017, 04:25:53 PM
That looks awesome really nice shape congratulations, how is the inside leg sockets it looks like it spent most of its life out of the rain for sure


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The inside leg sockets had very little rust and are rock solid. Speaking of rock solid, I need to post some pictures of the cooking grate.  It is incredibly thick, I've never seen anything like it.  Also, the leg socket tubes are like twice as think as new ones.

That is great you got a real Gem there I've noticed with a few of the older kettles I've got that must of had original grates in them still the gauge of the steel rods was much thicker that was on a 65 model year kettle I bet yours is even more stout


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OMG...what a find. SOOOO cool you got it and huge props to your buddy. Once in a lifetime find and definitely one to be passed down. CONGRATS!!!

Beautiful grill and great story, congrats! Grill that buddy of yours a great big steak dinner for making it possible.

Congrats!!! beauty of find. Amazing clean up pics.

I am in awe. That is a gorgeous grill. Congrats and sincerely enjoy that piece of history.


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It's stories like this that give the rest of us hope. Granted false hope for most of us. Nonetheless, amazing score. Congrats!


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Nothing else to say.  Congrats, YOU WIN!!!!!

You Sir!!!!! Are a lucky person!!!!
Congratulations on this amazing score

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Wow, that is just amazing - I'm speechless!...

Congratulations!

This grill went un used / noticed for decades.  In a few short momets and negotiations it is now seen by 1000's and possibly???  What a story and a for sure grail find!!!

Congrats!!!!  And display the old girl with Weber pride!!!

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Incredible man!! Congratulations, what a find!!


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Btw, that's my birth year- when men were men and kettle grates were serious!

So, um...yeah, send it here.  ;)

A VERY few minor dents & scratches?


IT'S 61 YEARS OLD!!!!!


I'm 62 & I got WAY more dents & scratches than that......the truth is out there....basements, garages, storage sheds, attics......take very good care of this one please !!!

That's what I was pondering last night @1buckie .  What else is out there that is just waiting on a grillfella to find?  I'm still amazed at this thread.


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Quote from: kettlebb on August 29, 2017, 06:48:41 AM
That's what I was pondering last night @1buckie .  What else is out there that is just waiting on a grillfella to find?  I'm still amazed at this thread.


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Yes, this.

This find is very exciting and I look at it as a reminder to remain vigilant in the hunt and to work together.

I often hear the sentiments, "nothing ever shows up in my area", well... perhaps change up the search tactics.   I know the next time I get my garage door serviced, I'm gonna have a brisket ready for the guy/gal who shows up. 

Really excellent find, congrats, JDD.  Happy for ya!


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@JDD .. Please post pictures of your arm and your leg .. just want to see whether you still have them :-)

This is indeed a lifetime score ... CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Quote from: 1buckie on August 29, 2017, 06:31:33 AM
A VERY few minor dents & scratches?


IT'S 61 YEARS OLD!!!!!


I'm 62 & I got WAY more dents & scratches than that......the truth is out there....basements, garages, storage sheds, attics......take very good care of this one please !!!

Yes indeed @1buckie there are more like this out there and even better! Don't give up @mcgolden you will find yours.

Quote from: Mr.CPHo on August 29, 2017, 07:00:41 AM

Quote from: kettlebb on August 29, 2017, 06:48:41 AM
That's what I was pondering last night @1buckie .  What else is out there that is just waiting on a grillfella to find?  I'm still amazed at this thread.


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Yes, this.

This find is very exciting and I look at it as a reminder to remain vigilant in the hunt and to work together.

I often hear the sentiments, "nothing ever shows up in my area", well... perhaps change up the search tactics.   I know the next time I get my garage door serviced, I'm gonna have a brisket ready for the guy/gal who shows up. 

Really excellent find, congrats, JDD.  Happy for ya!


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Yes this, I've also been thinking about new ways to find kettles, eBay and Craig's list is too competitive.  I'll bet garbage men see a lot of them! Do you know any meter readers?

Wow!!! You are never going to top this score.

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That's reason enough for me to head out to the '18 Meet Up- the '56 Petting Zoo.

WOW! Very cool


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Inquiring mind want to know.  Under $1000?

Great score and restore!

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That is really cool. Great story to go with it. Congratulations


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@JDD   You have found and obtained a true piece of Weber Americana.  Your discussions & honesty with the seller are examples for all to follow.  Today, you have become the person, like it or not, that is responsible for the care and maintenance of one of our clubs prime examples of "every mans barbeque".  Thank you for sharing this special moment with all of us and congratulations.

SJ

That is a beautiful kettle. And a great story. Congratulations.

And it's a great thing that you were up front with the lady about the value of the kettle. And that you would prefer be honest, rather than make a "score" off decent people. Well done.

So...are you "mowing her lawn" for the next five years?

Quote from: JDD on August 28, 2017, 10:33:39 AM
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/after1.png)

This gave me a (http://www.hhsbbq.com/dsp/points.gif) !! What a find, and what a beauty!

That thing is amazing! It gives me hope for my birth year. Congrats


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Quote from: hawgheaven on August 31, 2017, 03:09:38 AM

Quote from: JDD on August 28, 2017, 10:33:39 AM
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/after1.png)

This gave me a (http://www.hhsbbq.com/dsp/points.gif) !! What a find, and what a beauty!

@hawgheaven  , I was just about to click the thank you button but hesitated because it kinda felt wrong to thank you for getting a boner LOL. Is it wrong?

Quote from: JDD on August 31, 2017, 07:47:09 AM

Quote from: hawgheaven on August 31, 2017, 03:09:38 AM

Quote from: JDD on August 28, 2017, 10:33:39 AM
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/08/28/after1.png)

This gave me a (http://www.hhsbbq.com/dsp/points.gif) !! What a find, and what a beauty!

@hawgheaven  , I was just about to click the thank you button but hesitated because it kinda felt wrong to thank you for getting a boner LOL. Is it wrong?

Hey, it's just a reaction to hot kettles (and hot wimmen)...  ;D