Inspecting Cast Iron Skillets

When I'm shopping for cast iron, I'm pretty intense in researching cast iron pieces and inspection. What may be viewed as weird and anal, is actually a difference between buying something for $10 and realizing after cleaning the skillet up, the cast iron skillet is worth $50 or more. Also, the Asian market made several pieces that actually look American made. Inspecting these pieces carefully will help you to add a little more value to your collection or place more money in your pocket.

I often buy for customers and because of that I need to make sure their piece of cast iron is in the best of shape before I purchase it and restore it. I actually purchased a piece of cast iron for a friend at an antique store several months ago. I placed the skillet in a lye bath, and after I took the pan out I realized the pan had been seasoned over RUST. After taking the rust off, I saw a T shaped crack on the surface of the cast iron. After contacting the antique store and showing them pictures, I was able to get a full refund and the person who owned the booth was given a firm warning. I also encourage anyone to build relationships with antique store owners because of the situations mentioned above.

I always carry a few things in my purse while I'm on the hunt for antique or vintage cast iron.

• My cell phone. I carry my cell phone so I can take pictures and send them to cast iron groups on Facebook. Many can study the handle on the cast iron and tell which foundry maker made the particular skillet. Sometimes the build-up on the back of the skillet makes the identification process harder.
• My Kroger (any strong plastic cards) card. With this test I'm able to check to see if the cast iron is warped in the center. By placing the credit card in the middle of the cast iron, you're able to tell if the card sits flat or if the light is showing under the card. In the picture below, the credit card is tilting to the side, and light is exposed. If the card lays flat, the cast iron is not warped.

• Flashlight. I love my LED flashlight because the brightness of the light can detect cracks in the cast iron. Also, you can detect cast-iron sand-shifting (the process in which the cast iron was molded) and other casting flaws.

• Magnet. Sometimes cast iron can throw you for a loop and you'll end up getting something that is not cast iron. Magnets attract to cast iron. Luckily, I have a flashlight with a built-in magnet.

• Microscope. I have two of these that I carry with me. The handheld clip is for the kids. They enjoy using the microscope to see what they can't see with their own eyes. Plus, kids love to see gross things. The clip-on microscope attaches to my smartphone and I'm able to take pictures and do videos with the piece attached to my cell phone. I can detect cracks with this piece and other design flaws. Also, you can detect other things that you wish that you can "unsee." Is that a word?

• Pencil and paper. I carry a pencil and paper with me to see if I can determine if the cast iron has a foundry name or maker's mark. Sometimes this method can't be done because the build-up on the skillet is thick.

Studying cast iron and knowing history plays a huge part in cast iron identification. Cast iron pieces can go anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on the condition. Also, good pieces of cast iron can result in priceless family heirlooms or gifts.