Could it be an EPA insert?

[eclecticcottage]

I posted this thread over in the classic stove forum https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/federal-airtight-insert-not-in-a-masonry-fireplace.122861/

But now I'm wondering...could this actually be an EPA insert? It's a Federal Airtight, which I believe is the precursor to the CDW. It looks like one to me anyway. The handles are..um, missing, at the moment so I can't open it to look for a cat. It isn't in use and the people it belongs to don't plan to use it, but I'm curious about it. I'm just like that.

Here's the insert:

The install was the original thing that piqued my curiousity, since I thought it was a) an insert and not a ZC fireplace and b) because it is an insert (or so I think) it should be in a masonry fireplace which it is not (just reg joists under it in the basement and a 8" stainless flue coming out of the roof). That is faux stone. It looks like someone built a "hearth pad" of bricks, then framed in around the insert, but I don't know for sure and the person who did this has since passed away. I know it was used this way, and from my understanding, quite often.

 

[tickbitty]

I'm sure somebody will know for sure, but I'd say no... it does look like it might be a dutchwest stove, but in the EPA era, I'd think those two small windows in the front would be replaced by one large window. Will sit back and wait for the experts to weigh in!

 

[weatherguy]

What does that say right below the door? Can anyone read that?

 

[tickbitty]

Googled around a bit and it looks like it's a Consolidated Dutchwest 264CCL, just used without the legs? They say they quit making that one in 1990 so I'm guessing it's not EPA, but you can check the lists. It's also called "federal airtight" I think.

 

[eclecticcottage]

What does that say right below the door? Can anyone read that?

Federal Airtight

Googled around a bit and it looks like it's a Consolidated Dutchwest 264CCL, just used without the legs? They say they quit making that one in 1990 so I'm guessing it's not EPA, but you can check the lists. It's also called "federal airtight" I think.

see, that's what I thought, but then I saw this thread: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads...eral-convection-extra-large-model-288.122152/ was moved over here because it was an EPA stove (and it's circa 1990), so I am thinking the CDW/Federal stoves might be considered EPA at an earlier date.

 

[BrotherBart]

Yeah that is the old Federal Airtight that was sold as an insert and free standing starting around 1985. They were made in Taiwan and buying the company was Vermont Castings' first big mistake.

It is a cat stove. They all were. Just not very good ones. I almost bought a new one in 1986 and have been thankful I didn't every since.

 

[eclecticcottage]

Hm. Good to know. If it were my place, I'd rip the whole mess out, put stone up on the walls behind it and put in a stove. At least I know it's likely never to be used as it is unless the place is sold.