History question

Hi everybody!

I was wondering if someone could give me a quick model B history lesson. I just like to know what I'm looking at. (Love my C) I tried searching old posts, but so many have model B references that it was hopeless.

When did production of Bs begin, and when did the BZ start/end. What changes were made when production started up again after WWII?

What do the older B-type Models (models with digits, like the 12-B-4X) look like, and when were they made. Am I right to think they look a lot like the red A highback that's on ebay now, but with the newer gas handles and thumblatches and a single front panel?

Thanks for the info.

-Jenn

Sam and Todd are the Chambers history experts.

I do know that one difference between the B and BZ is the broiler box. B doesn't have one. It's one of the improvements the Chambers Corp. made after the B model.
Learned that from a post Sam did.

I do like the temp. knob, handle and latches on the Red Model A on Ebay. Much more prettier than my plain janes on Big Bertha.

The B series was made between 1939 and 1949, when the "C" was introduced.

As best I can tell, the "BZ" came out at least one year before the "C", probably more like 2 or 3.

The "BZ" is, for the most part, a "C" with the "B" body style.

The "BZ" also has the stainless steel burner shield on the broiler/griddle assembly, which makes it more efficient and uses a shorter flame.

The "BZ" also has the small "wagon wheel" style top pilot light cover on the cooktop, as well as the same grates as the "C", although the burners are different from the "C".

To me, the "BZ" is the one to get if you like the "B" styling, but want the features of the "C".

<font color="#FFFFFF" size="1">[ January 19, 2006 11:56 AM: Message edited by: Todd W. White ]</font>

I'm guessing, from looking at my old salesman's stuff, that the BZ was made only in 48 & 49. But, I could be wrong on that.
Ann

Here's a thought. Could Todd or Tura or someone who got copies of the salesman's flip chart and has a scanner, scan the illustrations of the B's in the back and put them on the virtual convention site? I bet people would like to see them.

So Bs made in 1939 looked the same as the most recent Bs? (not BZs)

Were the 12-B-4X types sold concurrently, or were they earlier?

I would love to see images of the salesman flip charts on the other Chambers sites.

-jenn

I just got my packet from Ann - if Tura doesn't get the pages you mentioned scanned, I'll try to get it done shortly.

Jenn;
Until the pictures get scanned and you can see for yourself, the 11-B-2 and 11-B-4-X had the fold down top/canopy and it doesn't look like they had any other backsplash (the canopy made the backsplash when folded up). The difference is the X had a chrome top and the non-X a black top.
The 12-B-4 and 12-B-4-X had a "standard back with timer and salt and pepper shakers." Again the difference in the X and not is the black or chrome top. This model looks similar to the red one on ebay right now.
The 14-B-4 and 14-B-4-X have the chrome shelves on the backsplash with the two side lights and look like the BZ's. The brochure says they have a "silverlite back with timer, shelves, and lights."
What is silverlite? Anyone know?
Also, note there are no number 13 models.......
Ann

Sam Oh Sam where are U ???

I noticed and wondered what the "silverlite" material/product is too?? In my service manual it states the 14-B, 14-BZ, 15-BZ & 15-B-IB do have the silverlite top cover and back. 11-B, 11-BZ,12-B & 12-BZ have the standard top covers & back.

I'm sure Sam will have the answers.

Berlyn

Wow, the last two posts look like something that I would post. Details, numbers, I'm confused!

The Model B was introduced in Feb. 1939, the Model BZ was introduced in Oct. 1948, The Model C was introduced in Aug. 1949.


B- 2/39 - 10/48
BZ-10/48 - 8/49
C -8/49 - ?

OK! My tag says that I have a 15-B-4 (followed by a bold number 1) and a serial 7- -11321. So my guess is that it was probably manufactured in 1947 as a white 15-B model. It has a chrome cooking top and Silverlite features.

Hey gang:

LOL at Sam's comment that Ann's post looked like something Sam would post! It got my eyes a little glazed too.

I'll add to the frey with more minutae:

Other significant changes from B to BZ: Stamped, flat steel cooktop replaces cast iron cooktop w/raised ridges.
Thermobaker exhaust flap eliminated.
Timer standard on all models (in front next to oven temp dial).

Joe

But what is "silverlite"???

Whoops!

The timer became standard on the C, not the BZ.

Joe

PS

Tonite I did filet mignon in the broiler, lima beans (frozen) in the T-well and herb stuffing on the stove. Total time for cooking less than 30 minutes (including preheating the broiler 10 minutes), with the exception of the lima beans. I put them in when I got home and that gave time for the filet mignon to marinate.

No babysitting the food with a Chambers!! [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

Joe,

Big Bertha's a 14-B with timer.
Was that a standard feature with that model or an "extra"??
Since B was made before the BZ or C??

Also, love my black porcelian stovetop with the raised grooves. Sliding a heavy pan/pot from one burner to the next is soooooooo smooth with those grooves!! Could not imagine doing that on a shiny chrome cooktop. I'd be afraid of scratching it!!

What we need are photos/illustrations of all the models.
And one more time, what is silverlite?
Ann

Ann, I have quite a bit of literature/photos of the different models that I've accumulated over time, although it's mostly B lit since I have been assimilated. :-) I can scan and add to the Convention site this weekend. It's surprising what you can learn from studying the diff models, and it's surpising how many different subtle variations there were.

Please post all the Model B photos you can. My model B no longer has it's tag, and I am anxious to know which exact model I have.

Found this on the internet, but I'm not sure it really answers your question. Silverlite is a product name given to the Expended vermiculite. It is insulating material made ideally by mixing swelled material (originally mica) from calcination and swelled materials(originally inorganic mineral) from high temperature. It aided strength, which is a insulating material's vulnerable point and made construction easier because of the high freezing ?thawing resistance by crack and submersion reduction.

http://misung1.koreasme.com/viewproduct_1_e.html

Hi folks,

Ok - Ok.

I'll scan the photos of the different "B" series over the weekend and post them on the website, replete with detailed descriptions, dimensions, and weights.

Well, in that case, I won't bother. Please disregard my earlier post above.

Lori;
Thanks for doing the web surf for silverlite.
Tura;
Maybe you've got some goodies that Todd doesn't have and can add yours too!
Ann

From the 1949 Service Manual for Chambers Ranges "B" and "BZ" Models

SILVERLITE TOP COVERS (14-B, 14-BZ, 15-B, 15-BZ and 15-B-1B) This top cover can be removed by taking out two bolts in each of the back hinges located in the back of the cooking top. It can be dismantled by removing six bolts from each section of the liner.


From this description, it would be the high back with lights and the folding burner cover.

Could it possibly just refer to the light fixture? "silverlite" backsplash, as opposed to no backsplash?

-jenn

Or, based on Lori G's post, is it likely that the folking back "Silverlite" cover is insulated with Silverlite??? I think I'll check mine out, and get back to y'all (geesh, this Texas thing is getting to me).

Joe

Hmmm, nope. My fold-down panels are as hollow as my head. No insulation of any kind. Perhaps the older Chambers first used Silverlite insulation on the fold-down tops.

Don't you just LOVE a mystery???

Joe

Good mystery! I think that the Silverite refered to the Aluminium back panel on the Model BZ? Any ideas?

Sam:

Well,,, I am certain that the reference is not restricted to the BZ. Ann's flip chart description of the earlier B refers to the "Silverlite back with timer...". And, as far as I can recall, I don't think that my B's back is aluminum.

I've come across evidence against my suspicion of the fold-down cover being the source of the term "Silverlite": According to Ann's Rosetta Stone Flip Chart, the only versions of the B refered to as "Silverlite" are the two versions that have the "fixed" backsplash with timer and spice shelves: the 15-B-4 (chrome cooktop) and the 14-B-4 (black cooktop).

In summary, all six versions of the model B had fold-down covers, with "Silverlite" refering only to the two highest priced models with fixed backsplash, timer, lites, and spice shelves.

So, the mystery stands: what is the origin and meaning of the term "Silverlite".

To the person who's schollarly efforts produce a verifiable answer, I will award a free copy of "Joe the Pie Guy's Pie Primer", required reading for students of my "Quick and Easy Pie Making Lessons. It's a handy and useful compendium of the methods and madness required to make pie a part of your everyday life.

Good luck!

Joe

Lori G:

Now c'mon: what'll it be: metal finish or tooth filling? Such indecisivness wouldn't get you far on "So you want to be a millionaire".

Sounds like you are barking up the right tree with the metal finish thing. Those chrome bands that face the spice shelves could be what "Silverlite" refers to. But just because I issued the challenge doesn't mean I know the answer. I don't, so I can't verify your answer, It's gonna take someone out there who can site a supporting reference in their Chambers lit to back you up ;-). Keep digging!

Joe

I don't know the answer. I do know that in that era, wonderful names were given to similar products to distinguish one manufacturer from the other. Silverlite may very well be a brand name or a trademarked name for a chromium finish taking advantage of the "lite" from products such as "bakelite", an incredibly new and fabulously popular early protoplastic. It may have only been a sales ploy capitalizing on a popular word. Next week I'll be going through period design resources looking for specific refernces...I just may find what we're looking for !

Well, this isn't verifiable, but my guess is that Silverlite was some sort of new aluminum compound back in the day.
Ann

Ok, here is my best guess. It appears to be some type of metal compound. I have found household items, such as lamps and globes, that are made with a "silverlite chrome finish" http://shopping.msn.com/reviews/shp/?itemId=94122603.

I have found a dental mixture of some type that describes it as a silver/brass combination: http://shopping.msn.com/reviews/shp/?itemId=94122603

Do I win????

I say that is is just "Marketing Hype" for the high back models with the timer, shelves and lights.

I think many of you hit on the answer...

I went to the Chambers lovers website and on chart of different models, that Todd has posted there, you will see the very first model shown is called Copperlite "with a dramatic touch of bright copper on the back and handles."

So... Sam's answer of "I think that the Silverlite refered to the Aluminium back panel on the Model BZ" might be the "right" answer? Perhaps they used the term Silverlite when they started using chrome instead of black tops and handles?

FatFutures:

Heyyyyyy.... I like the way you're thinkin'! That "Copperlite" reference makes my researcher's heart sing! Very interesting and supportive of Lori G, ha-asfan, etc.

I'm gonna hold out just to see what other supportive tidbits show up.

I agree with you, that it takes a village to solve a mystery. You guys are making it difficult to decide who gets the reward. I may have to send out a few copies.

Joe

I just figured out how to use the search function. The previous poster answered my EXACT question about how and whether it would be okay to remove the high back on this stove I'm looking at online. I can't go scope it out, not worth the gas $$ to make a surveying trip.

You guys rule!