Perfectly seasoned or painted.

[Topher Cripe]

 I got what I believe is an iron mountain number 5. I think it is just perfectly seasoned. Completely black and smooth. It looks awesome.

Should I be worried that it might have been painted. I've cooked with it a little and it does great.

 I came across an article that warned of people painting CI or melting lead with it. Should I be worried about this?

 Do you always re-season a pan?

[Claudia Killebrew]

The rule of thumb here is that unless you've gotten your iron from a family member and you know it's complete history, or you've bought it from another WAGS member, strip it. You just never know what it was used for or what was done to it.

[Russell Ware]

I'll second what Claudia said. I won't use a pan unless I know how and what it was seasoned with.
And don't worry, with an Iron Mountain pan, even if you strip it and season it yourself, it will turn a nice black iron color soon enough.

[Topher Cripe]

Alright, into the oven it goes. Thank you both for replying.