Griswold Flat Bottom Kettle

[Roger Muse]

I just got a late Christmas gift from a firend, a #7 Griswold Slant Logo "ERIE" Flat Bottom Kettle aka Bean Pot.  Unfortunately it is currently sans lid.

I have previously only had skillets in my collection.

This kettle has a little nipple on one side for a metal ring, but the ring is missing.  I will get some thick wire from the hardware store to make a replacement ring.

What purpose does this ring actually serve?

I first thought it might be used to help tip the kettle to pour out the contents, but the bail handle only folds down in the opposite direction.

Could it be for use with a long hook to help swing it out from over a campfire?

Forgive my ingnorance, but this has me confused, and I don't like guessing at somethings purpose.

[C. Perry Rapier]

Hello Roger. Welcome to WAGS. On the kettle with the ring. If I understand your question, thats the way the kettle is supposed to work. The bale only folds down one way, and lets say you have your left hand on the bale, the bale actually locks in place at the top, and then when you lift the ring with your right hand, both hands are kept away from the hot kettle and its contents. So you can pour the contents out without being burned by the kettle. Hope that helps.  :)

[Roger Muse]

Thanks for the quick response.

I always try to understand all the features on a piece of cookware.

I started my collection not to collect, but to actually cook with. 

Now that I have a fairly complete set, I will try to work towards a complete "matching" set.

This Kettle is the first non-skillet Griswold in my collection.

I currently have:
#3 Large Logo Slant w Heat ring
#3 Small Logo early handle
#4 Small Logo grooved handle
#5 Small Logo late handle
#6 Small Logo late handle
#6 Nickel Plated Griswold's ERIE
#7 Best Made
#8 Large Logo Block EPU
#9 Large Logo Slant w heat ring
#10 Small Logo late handle
#10 High Dome Skillet lid, Large Logo

All told I have a grand total of $250.00 invested.

[Roger Muse]

Another quick question concerning the Flat Bottom Kettles.

Do these usually have major grind marks around the bottom?

I am trying to determine if someone hit the bottom edge with a grinder after they owned it, or if it is just a normal part of the casting process.

It doesn't look like anyone took away any "meat" from the casting, so I guess it could be that the pour left a lip around the bottom that needed to be removed, but the grind is a little sloppy.

[C. Perry Rapier]

Hello Roger. I would have to see a picture of the area that you are talking about before I would venture a guess as to what it is. But grinding down at the bottom around a kettle or dutch oven to remove overflow from the pour in that area is not uncommon. But as I have said, a picture would help.  :)

[Roger Muse]

Will try to take some pictures when I get home, will post tomorrow.

[Will Person]

Another quick question concerning the Flat Bottom Kettles.

Do these usually have major grind marks around the bottom?

I am trying to determine if someone hit the bottom edge with a grinder after they owned it, or if it is just a normal part of the casting process.

It doesn't look like anyone took away any "meat" from the casting, so I guess it could be that the pour left a lip around the bottom that needed to be removed, but the grind is a little sloppy.

Yep,  that is how the later ones were cast.   http://www.ebay.com/itm/1906-1912-Griswold-Cast-Iron-8-Flat-Bottom-Kettle-Slant-ERIE-PA-p-n-811A-/171211064801?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27dcf985e1

[Roger Muse]

Yep,  that is how the later ones were cast.   http://www.ebay.com/itm/1906-1912-Griswold-Cast-Iron-8-Flat-Bottom-Kettle-Slant-ERIE-PA-p-n-811A-/171211064801?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27dcf985e1

The #8 kettle shown on e-bay has a rounded bottom edge.

Mine has a sharp edge with what could probably be considered a heat ring.