Quick help..What to look for?

[Derek Divis]

Going to look at 30 plus/minus pieces of cast iron Wednesday from a collection.  I'm not going to have my books in time and I'm reading everything I can.  Are there some things to look for that are easy to know/spot?

[Cheryl Watson]

Oh my....... o dear........ tall order! ;D

To examine pieces you will need:
1. 6-8" Straight edge, to check for warp (inward and outward)
2.  Pocket flash light
3.  Small magnifying glass (unless you have eagle vision)

Check pieces for condition:
a. Warp
b. Cracks
c. Visible Pitting
d. Copious Rust (which may or may not be a problem.. Reading Rust is a skill built over time)

Look for clear markings.

for starters..........

[Randy Eckstein]

Take notes based on Cheryl's advice and bring your camera and post some pics, maybe we can help after seeing what you're looking at too.

Are you able to cherry pick or is this an all or none situation?

[Derek Divis]

I can cherry pick.  It's from an collection that my friends grandpa had before he passed away.  Was told they would sell at 1/2 to 3/4 market value.  They said the only thing that they wouldn't move on is the tea kettle.  Will have to see what they think market value is though.

[Randy Eckstein]

Good point regarding market value.  For better or worse ebay is the most fluid market and current best indicator.  Since you can cherry pick, if it were me, I'd take a notebook and make notes or drawings on everything and also pictures so that you can ask questions or spend some time looking at pieces to compare.  Compared to "book value" in general, gems are down, Erie anything, slant logo pieces and lids are up.

Happy Hunting!!

[Derek Divis]

I came, I saw, and I left....empty handed.  Honestly I think I was so overwhelmed with the sheer number of pieces and prices that I didn't feel comfortable buying anything tonight.  Pretty much all Wagner Ware and Griswold with prices ranging anywhere from $20-$200.  Said I would have to get back to them in a day or two.  I'm a user first and collector second so in the end I will probably end up with at least the dutch ovens they had as that is what I'm in short supply of.  I did pick up a Wagner Ware Sidney O 8 from someone else today though.

[Randy Eckstein]

Nothing wrong with taking some time to assess things Derek. It can be overwhelming looking at a whole bunch at once.

[Derek Divis]

Like I said in my previous post I'm pretty set on buying the Wagner Ware dutch ovens.  There are three of them there that I can get for $20 a piece.  That might be a little higher than most but it doesn't seem to terrible.

[Bob Henrick]

Derek, do the dutch ovens each have a lid to fit? If so, I would certainly jump on all three.

[Derek Divis]

Derek, do the dutch ovens each have a lid to fit? If so, I would certainly jump on all three.

Unfortunately no lids.