ID help

[Retired Army]

I have an old cast iron cauldron that I’m trying to identify the age and possible value. Only out of curiosity as I’ll never part with it. My dad and I used it in the 60’s-70’s for fish fry’s at home. He got it from his mother who used it to wash clothes when he was growing up. He was sure that his mother got it passed down from her mother. My grandmother was born in 1907 so I’m pretty sure it’s at least that old.

18 1/4 inches diameter
13 inches tall
2 ring handles, 1 on each side
3 triangular legs
2 “gate” marks on bottom
“12” on bottom

There are no other markings I can find. I’m also wanting to know if there’s someone on the South side that may be able to blast it for me so I can re-season it and possibly make it useful again. Would love to have another fish fry in honor of my dad! Thanks ODT

 

[Kahrnut]

I wouldn't sandblast

 

[Retired Army]

I’ve never restored cast iron. Why not blast? Will it damage the metal? What about a wire wheel? Thanks for the link, I’ll check it out.

 

[Kahrnut]

If it's an antique, it could devalue it. Sandblasting or wire wheel will bring down the sharpness of the grain, and markings.

 

[Retired Army]

Ok, gotcha. I know it’s an antique. I’m hoping to determine the age. Thanks for the info.

 

[jeep78]

Anyone tried fire?

 

[Retired Army]

Interesting video. Thanks. Looks like it works for residue but not sure about rust

 

[Retired Army]

Maybe DinkyDau will will chime in. I remember he uses a lot of cast iron. I know there are others but not sure who they are.

 

[DinkyDau]

Maybe DinkyDau will will chime in. I remember he uses a lot of cast iron. I know there are others but not sure who they are.

My Father in Law had several and he told me he used them for washing cloths. He would build a fire under it by digging a hole, filling the pot with water and soap and wash..I tried to get those from him many years ago before he passed away..He said no way and they were rusting up bad..But rather than letting me have them, he let them rust. I wanted to use one for large batches of Brunswick stew after I seasoned it..Hate to say it but he was a hateful man! Oh and I have no Idea who manufactured them.

 

[Retired Army]

My Father in Law had several and he told me he used them for washing cloths. He would build a fire under it by digging a hole, filling the pot with water and soap and wash..I tried to get those from him many years ago before he passed away..He said no way and they were rusting up bad..But rather than letting me have them, he let them rust. I wanted to use one for large batches of Brunswick stew after I seasoned it..Hate to say it but he was a hateful man! Oh and I have no Idea who manufactured them.

Thank you sir. I’m trying to save this one for future generations. That’s the same way we did our fish fry’s. It would be cool to make a pot of my dad’s Brunswick stew in this old pot. Thanks for the idea!