I’ve been restoring cast iron pieces for almost a decade. Of course, when I began, it was just as a fun hobby to start my own collection of cookware. I never thought I’d have my own website or be selling pieces that I didn’t need, so consequently I didn’t take pictures of most restorations or even the process. But I have enough for you to get the general idea of the work involved and why you should never just toss a pan out because it looks bad.
Grand Union Tea Company steel pan
WagnerWare Sidney -0- Bacon and Egg Breakfast Skillet 1101A Pat. Pending. 3 divided area pan, possibly missing a press (shows one in CI book)
Blackened Le Creuset from using on grill/fire pit
Martin Stove salesman ashtray and Lodge 3SK skillet. Barn finds in Huntsville, AL.
Griswold chrome plated griddle, dated 1920-1940
National, Wagner dated 1924-1945 (top picture is after being sprayed with oven cleaner and sitting in a plastic bag for several days)
Le Creuset used on a grill, smoker, or firepit. Remaining black was carbonized onto the pan. This was one of my first attempts at cleaning enamel; since then I’ve learned a few other tricks I could’ve tried. But still, sometimes enamel will start to lose its color if scrubbed too much, especially the older pieces.
Griswold Slanted large logo dated 1906-1916
Wagner griddle dated post-1960
Birmingham Stove & Range 2 Qt Stew Pan
Griswold, small logo dated 1939-1957
Mini advertising ashtray
Various pans
Possibly a transition piece from Consance to Le Creuset since it says France under handle
