Sloppy use of terminology in the hobby drives me crazy.
In the past, for me, it has been sprue/gate mark, pattern/mold, reproduction/knock-0ff/fantasy and even the word Wagwold, that make me cringe when, again in my opinion, the use is not correct. I'm not going to talk about any of these.
I have a new one. It is the use of the term "Restored". In my mind restored mean to bring something back to its original condition.
I've seen the evolution of cast iron items going from cleaned and seasoned, to restored. I'm most familiar with waffle and wafer irons. I can tell you that with a very, very, very few exceptions, none of the irons touted as restored are really "restored". They generally are just clean and nicely seasoned. May even have handles replaced, which is fine as long as they look like the original in size and color.
Using Griswold as an example, the majority of bases were japanned. How many restorers are japanning their bases?
Did Griswold season their waffle irons before sending them for retail sale? Maybe a light coating of oil or wax, but not seasoned, I believe. Although I've not studied hollow ware much - I would not expect to see them seasoned from Griswold (or Wagner, or other major foundries for that manner).
How can something, that never existed in the state it is being offered, be considered restored?
I think it is an evolution to charge more for something with a fancy name. Kind of like calling Vanilla Ice Cream by its Italian name, Gelato Alla Vaniglia.
I know it will never change, but at least I hope it makes you think then smile.
. Take pity on poor old Tom living in his personal terminology hell - LOL.
And I will finish with the obligatory greeting on January 1, I wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!
