What is considered vintage cast iron?

Only cast iron made between the late 19th and mid-20th century is considered “vintage.” Thats basically anything produced before 1957. Most cast-iron goods from this time period were made by just a handful of companies: Birmingham Stove & Range.

What is a gate mark on cast iron What does it mean?

Cast iron is made with a sand mold in which liquid iron needs to be poured into it (or injected into the mold.) The liquid iron then hardens and the mold is removed from around it. In the 1800s the iron was poured in via a line on the bottom of the mold which left the line, or gate mark, on the iron once it hardened.

What does a gate mark on cast-iron look like?

A gate mark appears as a raised scar or slash across the bottom of pans. Gate marked pans typically do not have the manufacturers name on them. Gate marked pans are the oldest of the old cast iron cookware; almost certainly antique. The gate mark is a remnant of the casting process that was used in the 1800s.

How do you date a cast iron cauldron?

Flip the pot upside down so you can see the underside. Check to see what symbol is stamped there. The oldest pieces, made prior to the mid-1700s, will have a circular sprue mark on them.

What happened to Griswold cast iron?

General Housewares made products under the Griswold and Wagner brands until 1999, when it closed and the manufacturing and brands were acquired by American Culinary Corporation of Willoughby, Ohio Classic cast-iron Griswold cookware is now prized by collectors.

Are cast iron pots worth anything?

One of the most surprising valuables around your home may be cast-iron cookware. Worth from $15 to $1,500, this is stuff you rarely want to sell at a yard sale. Fortunately, cookware is usually marked on the bottom with the name of the maker and the catalog or size number.

What does the number on the bottom of a cast iron cauldron mean?

Whether the products were skillets, waffle irons, or griddles, nearly all vintage pieces made by major foundries had one identifying marking in addition to such things as logos. Namely, size numbers. In fact, these numbers instead indicate a size of old-time stove burners.

What is a sprue mark?

GLOSSARY. A small raised spot or depression left on the surface of an injection or transfer molded part. The sprues are the locations at which the elastomer enters into the mold cavity. Also calledgate mark

Which is the cast iron Cannot be welded?

Answer: By reducing the carbon and silicon content and cooling rapidly, much of the carbon is retained in the form of iron carbide without graphite flakes. However, iron carbide, or cementite, is extremely hard and brittle and these castings are used where high hardness and wear resistance is needed.