chambers through the years

[lindaw2]

Does anyone know if there is a difference in quality between a Chambers stove manufactured in the '50's and '60's? I am on the quest of acquiring one and have seen both decades of stoves either on line on in a newspaper. I guess I am wondering if there was a change in quality over the years.

[RobbiQuest]

Stoveman is probably the expert here, so would defer to anything he has to say.

But, my personal opinion is that the Model B's (1940's) and the Model C's (1950's) were very consistent in quality and function. However, I had heard that Kitchen Aid acquired Chambers in the 1960's and then the stove changed radically. But, I've never seen one in person so can't comment accept to say that in pictures, it looks alot different and that the 60's era Chambers doesn't especially appeal to me pesonally in the way that the B's and C's did. If you have a chance to go look at the different models, then that would be the best thing.

[ha_asfan]

As a general rule of thumb. nothing from the 60's is as good as the same product from the 50's...I was told that the Chambers of the late 40's and early 50's were the absolute best...but, and it's a big but, it all depends on what you are looking for, what your needs are, what your likes and dislikes are...the sheer simplicity and beauty of the early ranges makes them far more appealing to my critical eye and the stylistic distinctions are wonderful allowing you to create a period kitchen so easily !

[lindaw2]

Here is my problem. I have only seen pictures and it looks the same as one from the '50's. The now deceased owner said she bought it in 1960 which could have been +/- a year or two. Does anyone know what to look for just by looking at a picture where the differences may be?

[treatmaker]

Hi,

What you need to do is to remove the front right burner grate and drip pan and look inside the stove there's usually a metal tag that has the model # from that # you can figure out the age of the stove as well. Find the # and post it on the board and one of the more knowledgeable members will probably be able to help you out.

treatmaker

[RobbiQuest]

Linda, if you're familiar with the Model C's, then you'll know for sure when you see a 1960's unit that it's different. The backsplash and the gas knobs were totally different - sort of funky-space-age looking, and lots of plastic and not as much porcelain, if I remember correctly.

If you can get the owner to e-mail a picture (and you can then forward to me), we can post it on the Convention site for 'Board comments. 'Cause one thing this 'Board has is lots of opinions!! :-)

[sadiepike]

I did a search asking for serial number information - Matty is from 1951. The Uncertain Stoveman posted an answer regarding the date of manufacturer back in March 05:

"They" told me that the first number in the serial number is the year built. So, a Model "B" with serial 9XXXX would be a 1939, Model "C" with serial 2XXXX would be 1952. The "B" models were manufactured from 2/39 to 10/48, "BZ" models from 10/48 to 8/49 and the Model "C" started in aug. 1949.

General opinion is that the Chambers built in Indiana before the move to Mississippi are better built units. Hope this helps....

[RobbiQuest]

Aha!! Is this the e-Bay listing number of the stove? 7380399634

If so, then it is most definitely the classic Model C stove - if you like Model C's, then this is the real deal. Don't worry, it is not the funky 60's stove mentioned earlier.

[Kitzig]

Mrs. Watts has a serial number 6-8476 and a style 12A42. So does that make her a 12 A made in 1936? If so, she is in wonderful shape for her age.

[berlyn]

T .if the poster is refering to E-bay 7380399634, they are getting some good accessories!! Vintage yep, 60's no. I emailed the seller to find out what model it is.

Linda,
Be sure to double check shipping, these babies weight well over 400lbs!! You will need to look into a freight company for shipping. There has been previous posts regarding shipping companys.

Good luck,
Berlyn