Saw some interesting old cast iron pieces today. Most likely from Germany, as everything else in the house was German, as was the former owner. No makers marks, but the bottoms were covered with baked on carbon. The pieces were enameled inside and out, heavy, with enameled steel lids. Here's the question--how do I get the old carbon off? I've had painted pieces (yep, someone "decorated" some fine old pieces by painting them) and the lye took the paint right off. Not sure what would happen with enameled cast iron and steel, but I assume it would do the same thing--peel it--which is not what I want to do. Any help greatly appreciated, as I won't buy them if I can't clean them.