Author Topic: Anyone have any idea ? (Read 4557 times)

Dennis Deutsch · « **on:** April 21, 2015, 01:15:20 PM »

I have a vintage cast iron skillet with original lid. I am in the process of cleaning / stripping the old seasoning off and on the bottom of the skillet and the very top of the lid by the handle are the number 8 and the letter F. These are the only markings. I am trying to determine how old this is and who made it.

Russell Ware · « **Reply #1 on:** April 21, 2015, 01:43:52 PM »

We'll definitely need pictures. It makes a big difference if the lettering you describe is raised or inscribed. Get it all cleaned up and post some pictures.
Don't get too excited though, so far the lid sounds like a vintage BSR.

Dennis Deutsch · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2015, 02:29:56 PM »

Thanks. I will take pictures tomorrow and then post em. The lettering is inscribed. I won't be selling it. It's been in the family for quite a few years and my plan is to get it cleaned up and start using it. Just trying to figure out how old it is and who made it. So far it's cleaning up nice. Has a little bit of pitting on the inside bottom but nothing major. I am making a video of the project that I hope to post on YouTube in a couple of weeks. Hoping to get them up around May 1st if anyone would like to see. Just search 1013den on YouTube

Dennis Deutsch · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2015, 12:24:24 PM »

Oh well, I tried lol. I tried a few times a few different ways to upload a few pictures on here but I guess they are too large (between 3.17mb -3.45mb). And I don't know the first thing about re-sizing. If I can figure it out I'll post em, if not I guess you can check out the videos on YouTube in another 10 days or so. Sorry bout that. The whole project of cleaning and restoring, taking the pictures and making the videos :D lol this is all new to me :o

Cheryl Watson · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2015, 12:37:18 PM »

Help for resizing can be found here:

http://www.griswoldandwagner.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1383802487

:)

Usually 800x600 will yield a small enough file size.

Russell Ware · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2015, 08:22:46 AM »

Here are Dennis' photos resized:

Russell Ware · « **Reply #6 on:** April 23, 2015, 08:27:00 AM »

Looks like an old BSR Chicken skillet from the 30-40s. Cleaned up, it might just be worth that too.

Here is the 2nd set:

Dennis Deutsch · « **Reply #7 on:** April 23, 2015, 08:31:35 AM »

Thanks Russ for the help with the pictures and the info !!!!

Robert Hynes · « **Reply #8 on:** April 23, 2015, 10:56:00 AM »

If it cleans up nicely, definitely makes a good user. BSR is tough as nails. Could be a red mountain with the random punches in the lid.

Jim Glatthaar · « **Reply #9 on:** April 23, 2015, 11:30:35 PM »

I agree it appears to be BSR Red Mountain, it will be a good user and that BSR pieces are tough. Overall, a very nice find.

Dennis Deutsch · « **Reply #10 on:** May 01, 2015, 09:05:31 AM »

Just wanted to say Thank You again to everyone that helped with information on the skillet. Part 1 & Part 2 of my YouTube video project Cleaning and restoring a vintage cast iron skillet is now up. Check it out, follow along and see the progress from start to finish. Thanks again !! Dennis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OizxvzF_IaM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CndzWnKSXQ

Cheryl Watson · « **Reply #11 on:** May 01, 2015, 05:14:12 PM »

All I see is a dirty skillet and lid... ;D ;D

Dennis Deutsch · « **Reply #12 on:** May 02, 2015, 10:34:46 AM »

So yesterday I released for public viewing the beginning of my YouTube video project that I have been working on,,, cleaning and restoring a vintage cast iron skillet. You are all invited to check out my videos and follow along to see the transformation from start to finish. This is my FIRST attempt at something like this and I'm basically learning as I go. It's been a learning experience for me, both in knowledge of cast iron cookware and in making videos. And yes I've made a few mistakes along the way which you will see. I will be releasing a new video of this project everyday. Part 3 is now up. Thanks for watching.
https://youtu.be/N9v_9kHFFcs

Robert Hynes · « **Reply #13 on:** May 02, 2015, 10:47:16 AM »

I started off cleaning cast with oven cleaner, can after can of blue cap cleaner - til Cheryl mentioned the yellow cap stuff actually contains lye ;D

Even more cans... takes so long and is messy/smelly. I don't clean alot of cast, but the group convinced me to set up with a lye bath - lye and water. Drop it in, let it soak. Mine is currently a large rubbermaid container sitting on the balcony.

Cheryl Watson · « **Reply #14 on:** May 02, 2015, 10:52:16 AM »

When using oven cleaner, reading the label is VERY important.

Must contain Sodium Hydroxide (LYE) or it just won't do a good job :)

Robert, isn't the lye bath wonderful? and so cheap! compared to Oven Cleaner!! :) :)

Dennis Deutsch · « **Reply #15 on:** May 02, 2015, 10:55:34 AM »

Yes I agree. Using oven cleaner is a long, messy and expensive way to go. Like I said, this was my first attempt at doing something like this. Both in cleaning and restoring cast iron and in making any kind of video. At the time when I started this project, I choose to go the oven cleaner route. Having learned what all I have learned from this project, the next time when I do this, I will be using the lye bath.

Robert Hynes · « **Reply #16 on:** May 02, 2015, 10:57:35 AM »

Quote

Robert, isn't the lye bath wonderful? and so cheap! compared to Oven Cleaner!! :) :)

Lye bath to cans of spray? no comparison Cheryl... Moved the bath outside, added another pound of lye with some water to top it up.

Have to get set up for electrolysis again soon.

Dennis Deutsch · « **Reply #17 on:** May 04, 2015, 09:47:27 AM »

Parts 1-2-3-4 and 5 of my YouTube video cast iron skillet project are now up. Check em out if you would like. Just a reminder, this was my first attempt at this kind of project. When I started I had very little knowledge of the entire process. Learning, exploring and experimenting as I go means yes, I made mistakes throughout the entire project and yes, I have learned a lot since then and still have a lot more to learn. The project itself is finished. I just started releasing the videos on May 1st. A new video will be released every day or so. Thanks for watching.
https://www.youtube.com/user/1013den

Robert Hynes · « **Reply #18 on:** May 04, 2015, 12:33:48 PM »

Dennis, if you have any amount of cast to clean, do set up a lye bath. It's cheap and will save so much hassle.

A friend asked me to clean his mothers old Wagner for him, heavily crusted, figured it would take a couple of days soaking. Dropped it in the bath last night, 14 hour soak and it's clean as a whistle this morning with minimal scrubbing - and no mess :)

Cheryl Watson · « **Reply #19 on:** May 04, 2015, 12:35:36 PM »

A few observations/suggestions:

When removing from the bag, place skillet directly into the sink and scrub with hot water, dishwashing detergent, and a Stainless Steel Scrubby, not a vinegar soak yet.

It is not necessary to neutralize the 'lye', as it is water soluble.

If all the seasoning is not removed, re-spray, back in the bag, for more soak time.
(oven cleaner method can take up to one week or longer).

Repeat scrub.
50/50 Vinegar solution if needed to remove RUST, checking every 30 minutes. Final scrub using cold water only...

:)

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Author Topic: Anyone have any idea ? (Read 4557 times)