1964-65?... Well Pre 64

[einrej]

   Weber charcoal kettle grill, portable, 20" round, removable legs - (Wonder Lake)

"Weber charcoal kettle grill, portable, legs are removable so less space needed to transport, 20" round medium size, includes an electric charcoal starter, some charcoal, lighting fluid.

Please e-mail or call and leave a message if no answer. Might be able to meet somewhere in the area for pickup if scheduled ahead of time. "

Seen that metal handle on the lid, Wow!
I called and talked to the owner.  I told him it was an hour and a half drive, would he hold it for me? Yes. I got in the truck and headed for Illinois.
I pulled into the yard and there it was waiting. I met the owner and his wife, very nice people. During our conversation, I learned that they got married in 1963 and he thought that he bought the grill new in 1964-65. They reminisced about the family vacations and how they took the legs off the grill and stored it in a cardboard box. They were selling their house and down sizing and no longer needed the grill. I told him about the WKC and he was happy it was going to a good home. I loaded the grill in the front seat of the truck for the ride to Wisconsin.
I checked the WKC age guide and discovered that Weber discontinued the metal handle in 1963 and went to a wood handle in 1964.  Therefore, it must have been old new stock when the previous owner purchased it.  1964 catalog price for The Traveler was $29.95.
For a 50+ year old kettle, it is in remarkably good shape.  All parts are original, including the grates.   

[Lumpy Coal]

Awesome....looks in great shape!

[Craig]

That's a super nice Traveler! Very well taken care of these past 50 plus years. Congratulations on the pickup.

[SixZeroFour]

What a cool find! Even more special with the back story behind it too... Congrats!

[MrHoss]

Oh man Ernie......that is one special find!!! Good to see you get it.

[Uncle JJ]

Cool Traveler!  Congrats!

[truckertrash]

Nice score! Seems a few haved popped up lately wich is kinda odd

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[crowderjd]

Very nice, what amazing condition overall...

[Winz]

Awesome kettle and story.  Congratulations!
Winz

[jcnaz]

A keeper for sure!

[effinUker]

Awesome grab. Congrats.

[1911Ron]

Very nice, congrats!

[WNC]

Beautiful! And I can't believe how great the cooking grate looks after all these years, looks perfectly seasoned.

[kendoll]

Super find mate. Lovedly grill.

[SmokenJoe]

Congratulations on that catch.  It's an amazing thing to see such an old kettle in that good of condition.