Printable View
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.
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.
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 !
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?
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
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!! :-)
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....
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.
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.
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
how about e-bay 7578013412? The other one, in Texas, is too far away. This one is a stove that we can pick up ourselves (my husband is a pretty strong guy and we can get some help at the pick up point from family that lives near where it is located). We have a truck we can put it in. Anyway, it is on e-bay and my e-bay luck isn't the greatest so I am not counting on winning this one...but others will show up if I don't get this stove. And I will own one someday, hopefully soon. I love these stoves and have never even seen one in person!
Oh, and thank you for all the replies. This is one great group.
I received an e-mail sometime ago from a fellow who grew up in the home of a top Chambers factory man in sales who stayed with the Company until well after the move to Oxford, Mississippi.
His report was that his dad felt the quality declined after they moved from Indiana - something about former farmers not being used to factory work.
As best I can tell, Chambers changed the "look" of the "C" around 1962 or 63 by giving it different handles, a squarish-top and backsplash, a clock, etc., but keeping the rounded oven door and Service Cabinet door. It was pretty ugly... [img]tongue.gif[/img]
My guess is that anything that is an actual "C" (they changed the model numbers after the move to Oxford) would be fine, and the rest would have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Hi Lindaw2;
Glad to have you join this fun group.
That ebay stove looks nice to me. Just look how clean the oven is! Too bad they didn't keep the pots with it. Hope you get it. Keep us posted.
Ann
ps The number of my BZ is "15BZ4Y." FYI
Ken and I always get so excited when we start talking Chambers, see what you have to look forward to when you are almost 70 (16 days till his birthday, he keeps reminding me. thanks...V
Please help us figure ours out...
1-44675
Model C
style 90 0R 61
W
Top and Thermowell 9000 BTU
Broiler 15000 BTU
Oven 21000 BTU
Linda, I don't know if you were the winning bidder or not, but it was certainly a terrific stove. It was probably a 1960, like the listing said, but it was the nice Model C, and not the funky 1960's type. What was super about that particular stove is that it had the "burner with a brain", which is basically a heat-regulated burner up in the front, right corner (you can see it in the pictures.) Those are pretty nify. If another one comes up, it would be worth paying a little extra for.
Linda, you totally scored!! Make sure you keep us all posted - it's a little like having a new addition to the family!! :-)
Linda,
Congrats!!!! Like Robbiequest said, you totally scored. You've got the burner with a brain...I'm envious.
Be sure to look at past posts on the best way to move your stove. It gives great tips on how to lighten the load and protect your stove.
Let us know when you name her.
Treatmaker
I would also like to know what year my stove was built.
Style 90C, green, Serial # 1-15568
I'm guessing she's a '51 model, but the serial # format is different than the repost of Sam Stoveman's guide (too many numbers). Mine has the same format as Mrs. V's stove.
My yellow stove's tag is under about an inch of grease at the moment, so it won't see the light of day until I get rid of about 50 years of grease! Yummy. So glad the new stove was cleaned occassionally!
-Jenn
Whoo Hoo! We won our bid! I am so excited. I am hoping to go pick that baby up this weekend. I can't wait. Thanks for all your replies. I am sure that you will hear from me a lot.
Now I just need to name her!
Linda