Does anyone recognize me? General Electric Range Stove

[beachabuma]

Hi!

I’m trying to date a GE range that I’ve recently purchased.

Model: J41501pk
Serial: LAF49552

Specs:
40”
Single Oven
Pushbutton Magic
(2) Calrod Burners
No clock, no lights
Single receptacle to the right.
Thermostat previously replaced, so original knob n trim plate missing.

Info I’ve learned along the way.....
1948-1975 Magic Pushbutton
1955-1965 Petal Pink

Thank you so much!

 

[tomturbomatic]

I remember seeing models like that in stores in the early 60s.

 

[turquoisedude]

This one threw me - I saw the 'P' in the model number and thought 'Aha - 1957' however, I got mixed up decoding GE Range date codes before...  But the "A" in the serial number and the grounded outlet would have to make this a 1965 model - the last year of  Petal Pink for GE, I believe!  

 

[bradfordwhite]

That is bea-u-u-u-utiful. 

Love that pastel candy pink. 

 

[DADoES]

 
Timed Bake on the oven selector, without a clock?

 

[circlew]

Nice range; I agree with Paul about the year. It is strange to see timed bake when no clock is present, but maybe GE only made one type knob, or perhaps it's been replaced, too.

As to the rating plate, I only see a voltage of 120/208, not 120/240. Maybe I'm not seeing it correctly on this phone. I'm aware that GE made special models for 120/208 volt service, but usually 30". This would be the first 40" I've seen with such rating. These special models have elements rated at 208 volts, and may get too hot and fail quicker if used on 240 volt service. 208 is rarely seen in single family homes, but fairly common in apartment and condos, and commercial buildings. It's possible this range was originally used in a home-ec room of a school. The HS I attended had 120/208 service, but the home-ec ranges were standard models rated at 120/240, due to the fact the appliance dealer provided them to use for a while, then replaced them every couple years. The returned ones were then sold at a big discount, so needed to be one most customers could use.

 

[pulltostart]

Model J415 shows up in both the 1964 and the 1965 catalogs, but the 1964 is labeled "J415Y" so most likely this is a 1965.  Two interesting things about this one:

 

The 30" version of this range (J315) specifically states that it is available in White only.  The 40" model doesn't mention colors.  So possibly this one, considering both the color and the rating, might have been a 'special order' model with very limited production.

 

Since there is no clock/timer, I agree that either the switch and/or the knob have been replaced at some point in time.

 

Sidebar - GE apparently began to install grounded convenience outlets (on ranges) in 1962.

 

Nice to see it in Pink!

 

lawrence

 

[luxflairguy]

If I can jump in! Didn't GE around this time offer an "add-on" clock/timer? It was round and attached to the back of the upper frame. Could this be one of those? Also interesting to see that it has 2 large burners--so many of that style of stove had 3 small/one big burner. Anyway. my thoughts. Always interested!!! Greg

 

[pulltostart]

Greg,

As far as I know, that round "target" clock was only available in 1957.  

 

lawrence

 

[luxflairguy]

Thanks Lawrence! Sure wish I had the knowledge so many of you! A bit Jealoous...! Greg

 

[bradfordwhite]

non-existent Timed bake option was a thing.

Lived in a 1967 built apartment that had the original 30" gold GE stove like this.

 

 

It weirdly had that spot on the dial as well even though there was no clock.

If I remember correctly, the switch had an actual position but when you put it there it didn't do anything.  

 

[combo52]

GE 208 Volt Range

Good Eye Tom, yes you can't use this range on 240 volts softly unless you replace all four burners and the bake and broiler elements with regular ones suited for 240 volts.

 

GE and most other manufactures used to build ranges for 208 volt power when they actually cared about proper performance.

 

John L.

 

[beachabuma]

Thank you so much for all of your help!

With it being a 3 phase, I think we’re going to have to find it a new home.

I can’t help, but think how wonderful this would look in a little bakery or coffee shop.

If anyone has a good lead on a new home, pls let me know.

Thanks again!
Heather

 

[DADoES]

 
What'd I miss?  Where's the reference to it requiring 3-phase power?

 

[combo52]

Reply #13

Hi Glenn, You didn't miss anything, the range operates on single phase power, Just 120-208 volts.

 

John 

 

[beachabuma]

From what I’m understanding, in order to operate the stove on 240.....It’s going to run too hot n I’m going to go thru parts.

Am I correct on this?

 

[qsd-dan]

If you're attached to the stove, buy a 240v variac and adjust the voltage down to 208.

 

[kb0nes]

Swapping all the elements for 240v models would be a more elegant solution than a 10Kw Variac

Welcome to Automatic Washer Heather! I'm the Facebook user that referred you

 

[bradfordwhite]

3-phase power is a commercial operation for Heavy duty loads.

That certainly wouldn't apply to this.