Can you identify a cast iron pan that has been ...

[Shane Lewis]

... used to smelt lead?
I'm pretty new to cast iron collecting, and wonder if there is a way to tell if the pans I see at the flea markets have been used to melt / shape any lead?

 My Grandpa had a #3 Lodge that he used to smelt lead for fishing weights / jigs (its still in my basement), and I remember my dad melting old tire weights down in either a cast iron pan or pot and pouring it into a corn shaped pan for some reason.

[Tom Neitzel]

In general, you will see bits of lead stuck here and there.  Little silvery bits or streaks.  Poke at them with the tip of a knife or hard, pointed object and they will smear.  Shouldn't be too hard to recognize.

Tom

[Chuck Fredrickson]

Shane - I'll add that if you know a  piece has been used to melt lead - do not use it for cooking. Beyond that, it's pretty much like Tom says.

There are small heavy pots out there that do have a history of being lead pots and are often confused with cookware. As far as 'cookware' goes, I've never run across one that I was suspect of, per say, but I've turned my back on many that just were too far gone to think I could restore them. There's plenty of good cast iron out and about. Unless it's something special I walk away.

~chuck