reillyranch Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Hello, I'm new to this forum and apologize if this is not the correct avenue to ask questions. I am looking for very specific information regarding the portable charcoal bbq grills Ford produced in the 1930's and 1940's. I own several models and would like to know what year they were produced and where they were made. I have read a Ford share holder meeting notes from 1936 which mentions the Ford charcoal products but nothing about the portable grill itself. Was Ford charcoal offered first, then the portable grill? And if so, what were the years? Thanks for any help, Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capngrog Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 How about some pictures of the grills you do have? How would one recognize a Ford Grill? Does it have the classic Ford script or Blue Oval or ... ? Cheers, Grog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_padavano Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Have you tried typing Ford Charcoal Grill into Google? There's info on the web. http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/257047/300144.html?1344131198 https://www.kingsford.com/country/about-us/#PGZMCDm4iizo26h0.97 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hddennis Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Ed, Check this out: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/257047/300144.html?1344131198 Howard Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poci1957 Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 I have seen them in various condition at swap meets and think they are cool. It looks like the charcoal was originally sold in bulk for commercial use in the 1920s and Ford and Kingsford were the ones that thought to package it with grills in the 1930s for picnickers, at least circa 1933-38. It sounds like it did not take off immediately with the public either, will be interested in hearing more, Todd C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Not quite in the same league but I have a new in the box Snap-on tabletop charcoal grill. It's great being married to the daughter of a Snap-on dealer! Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reillyranch Posted August 18, 2016 Author Share Posted August 18, 2016 I will take some pics of the ones I have and then try to figure out how to post them. Thanks for the links, I have seen some of them before while researching. I would like to really nail down the actual year they were offered with some hard evidence. There are pics of dealerships with the charcoal for sale, as well as period advertising and trade show images, but they date to the late 30's and 40's. By the look of the photos the charcoal business was well established by then. The product introduction would have to have been a few years prior, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 (edited) Kingsford charcoal was a byproduct of the Ford forestry and lumber operations that date back to the early twenties. Ford wanted to control the supplies of all materials used in Ford cars including the wood used for body framing, floorboards, wheel spokes etc. To this end he bought forests in upstate Michigan and built his own sawmills. The charcoal was made from the waste and scraps. Edited August 18, 2016 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John348 Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 4 hours ago, Rusty_OToole said: Kingsford charcoal was a byproduct of the Ford forestry and lumber operations that date back to the early twenties. Ford wanted to control the supplies of all materials used in Ford cars including the wood used for body framing, floorboards, wheel spokes etc. To this end he bought forests in upstate Michigan and built his own sawmills. The charcoal was made from the waste and scraps. I had heard years ago that the King in Kingsford was a relative of his wife, and we all know who the Ford part was,maybe true? maybe not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted August 19, 2016 Share Posted August 19, 2016 It was Henry Ford's cousin E. G. Kingsford who started the company in cooperation with Ford. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reillyranch Posted August 19, 2016 Author Share Posted August 19, 2016 Hey guys, thanks for the info. I had some of this information before but now its better organized. I am still looking for specific information about the portable charcoal grills they offered. Some can be seen in the 1930's era tradeshow photo. But what year did they introduce the grills, was there a part number for them, and where were they made. My passion is collecting vintage BBQ grills and the more I can find out the better. Thanks again for all the input. Ed (I'll try to post what I have now) Kingsford 1921 final.docxKingsford 1921 final.docx 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted March 27, 2020 Share Posted March 27, 2020 Always got a kick out of these. Cook your Hot Dogs on the way to the picnic spot. Model T Ford Accessory. Dandy Dave! http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50893/77670.html?1231257372 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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