a search and rescue mission!

[moparguy]

And just in the nick of time! This really cool gas range was posted on our local craigslist, I don't know how I had missed it before, but the owner said this was his last post before it went to the curb and that I was the only person to respond... what great mid century style and flash! It's in nice shape, though these are his pics before it sat outside for a couple of weeks, but nothing that some cleaning won't take care of. All four burners, including the automatic, work, the oven does not and the clock/timer do not. But they will be addressed, and the price made it a simple decision... free to a good home!

 

[moparguy]

Another photo close up of the cool timer and clock panel...

 

[moparguy]

And the clean oven... it also has an oven door window.

 

[moparguy]

And it will mate very nicely with this fabulous chrome top Kenmore gas that John combo52 rescued for me from a similar frightening future of turning into a dozen or more new ranges!

 

[kevin313]

That little gas range is wonderful! Who made it??

I love the style and that oven is so clean!

 

[danemodsandy]

Nice - and Rare!

What's rare about it is that 20-inchers didn't usually get that many features. They were often sold in wholesale quantities for use in downscale apartment houses, so features just got in the way of favorable pricing.

That one is a definite keeper. And I'm not normally a gas range fan.

 

[moparguy]

Thanks for the comments! The small stove is an Ultramatic (only name on it, on the timer time line), so I presume a Caloric (since it is in the wagon tonight, I can't check further inside or on the door window until I unload it tomorrow). It is actually a 24". According to the previous owner, the kitchen had been remodeled in the 1950's by the previous owner of the house, and for many years was just a single woman who did not cook much, hence the clean condition. But luckily it does not appear to even have a lot of the gas pilot flame corrosion... though I have not seen it in daylight! Tomorrow will bring a lot more information! But you are right Sandy, I so rarely see any smaller stoves with the deluxe trim and options. I was totally excited to find this!

 

[norgeway]

It IS...

Definately a Caloric, but that Kenmore!!! OMG thats beautiful!!!

 

[danemodsandy]

Oh, a 24!

Okay, that explains some of the features - 24s got better treatment than 20s. GE did a lot with 24s for a while there, until 30s became the most popular size. Their 24s were as nicely featured as any of their other ranges, with the exception of having only one large burner and three small ones - an arrangement that GE even put on its TOL 30-inch Spacemaker for a while.

So, that's probably why this one is so feature-rich - it was competing with other well-equipped 24-inchers.

 

[westingman123]

Kenmore

Let me second that. That's a gas range even I could love.

 

[gansky1]

Well that is cute - even for a gasser I've not spent much time with a 24" range, but I'll bet I could live with it. The elements on my 57 GE are within a 24" wide space and for all but the largest meals, the oven would be just fine.

 

[alr2903]

Congratulations, on a nice save,  I like the smaller one, prolly enough stove for anyone.  I would have to vote with Norgeway,  the chrome top Kenmore is a beautiful thing.  alr

 

[luxflairguy]

This was called the "Sea Isle."
Features were: In-a-Line Timer, large face clock, oven indicator light, automatic oven timer, angles control panel, recessed control knobs, "matchless" operation, recessed oven light. non-tilting handles.
"You're years ahead with a Caloric Sea Isle"
From a late 50's Caloric range brochure

 

[applianceguy47]

Nice save, Jeff.

I have a soft spot for the 20 & 24" ranges. I don't know why. Probably because of the mini size and appeal.

I hope your able to get the stove working. Maybe be able to adapt the stove to electronic igniters.

 

[moparguy]

Hey thanks for all of the information! They are both such neat stoves, I really appreciate the 50s styling and gadgets. So I searched around a bit on ebay, and found what would be the ultimate accessory for the Caloric range... albeit a bit pricey, reflecting how rare it must be... a 1956 Capitol record album, "Music for Cooking with Gas, a la carte... music that's rare and well done!" featuring Harry Fields, his piano, and his orchestra! How fun would that be! Can't you just picture the 1950s kitchen scene!

I don't know how to add links, but it is ebay item #350578746229

 

[whirlcool]

Here is the link for you....

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[davey7]

I love the speedometer effect! Really a nice piece of design there.

 

[MarkinDC]

24" Caloric Ultramatic "Sea Isle"

Something on the RetroRenovation page had me searching for these, and I came across this one, which is "beckoning" to me on eBay. Unfortunately it's "beckoning" from Connecticut, and while I'm often up for a road trip. retrieval road trip, Conn. is just a little too far from Wash., DC. Not sure if anyone on here might be interested.

It has listed twice with a $175 asking price, and since the seller has no feedback, and the shipment would easily be double that, I'm not keen on pursuing this one. Sure is attractive, and I sure hope it finds a good home.

I'm planning an upcoming "mid-century makeover" on the galley kitchen in my little co=op, and have been looking for a vintage gas stove in a 20 or 24 inch size to replace the existing one.

Pardon Our Interruption...