Rick,
I like that bottom gated dutch oven. Look how the 8, 10 and IN are spaced out to form "feet" to keep it from rocking on the gate. I've never seen that before, and such a simple idea.
All nice finds for sure.
You are right Chris...I believe that was the founders intent. I didn't even catch that until you mentioned it.
Rick,
Little details like that on these older items always cause me to speculate as to their origin and the intent of the maker.
That pattern was probably smooth, and the letters added to the sand mold by the mold maker. They would have a bunch of different stamps they could use. The gate would not have been a problem for cooking on a big trivet on the hearth, or hanging from a crane over a bed of coals. Heck, it would not matter on a grate over a campfire. The only reason to use leveling feet would be for use on a cook stove. Earlier examples made from that same pattern may have had just been marked 10 IN and left at that. The use of number 8 to indicate a 10 inch item was a cook stove trait.
So, while some foundries were changing to side gates to make a smooth bottom, or adding heat rings to the pattern to allow it sit flat, someone found a simple way to continue to use an old pattern, and make it work in a changing market.
No way to know for sure, but always fun to think about.
Chris
