Picked up a Servel....

[goatfarmer]

...today, still exhausted from dragging it and a 1930's Roper gas range from a basement!  Mid 1940's model, beautiful shape, complete with the book, all the shelves, drawers, etc. Pics to follow.

 I'm guessing it hasn't been used in about 40+ years. any advice  on what I should look for or do, before firing it up?

 

 

[westie2]

Get with David/58limited.  He has one and reworked his.

 

[arbilab]

Do get counseling on what to look for. Servels can be dangerous/lethal if not maintained. (Carbon monoxide)

 

[goatfarmer]

Servel pics

Says it all!

 

[goatfarmer]

Outside

Model 800A

 

[goatfarmer]

inside

Love the glass freezer door.

 

[58limited]

Similar to mine, the 800 series was the big series, the 800A was the "Budget" model I think. My S-800 had chrome shelves, a plastic insert emblem on the door, and a different handle. My freezer door is missing but pics I've seen show mine to be blue glass. I like the metal door emblem on yours better, the plastic on mine has crazing and the paint has faded.

 

Oh, I haven't reworked mine yet. Right now it is just one of dozens of projects that I need to do. But, it works. I used it during Hurricane Ike when the power was out.

 

[goatfarmer]

I was really surprised with the condition, all the shelves, drawers, were present, the gasket is soft and pliable, paint is good, etc. I probably wouldn't have bought it if it were in worse condition.

 

[whirlcool]

Those Servel refrigerators are popular with the Amish. If you need any parts look for places where you will find Amish. That's the most likely place. Pennsylvania, Central Ohio, Central Indiana, and Central Illinois.

 

[goatfarmer]

Got a huge Amish community about an hour east of me.