Cracks

[MDFraley]

Can anyone tell me if a piece having a hairline crack is totally worthless? I have purchased several pieces over the past few months that I have found cracks in only after cleaning. I am less than a one-year collector and unfortunately not savvy enough to examine pieces more thorough but I am surely but slowly getting there. I bought one skillet (with a gate mark) and one roaster with lid that has cracks in them. My thoughts on the lid is that since it is only a cover and the crack is less than one inch at the edge it probably is still usable.
Any ideas.....??

 

[Doug D.]

Not worthless as a user, but it knocks the value as a collectible to nearly nothing. Although you may see an ultra-rare piece with a crack still sell for quite a bit. Not nearly its full value if undamaged, but not pennies on the dollar.

There's always that assumption of risk when buying unrestored pieces, so you have to adjust what you're willing to spend for the possibility of concealed damaged.

 

[EdgarLopez]

You need take your time when buying ci, I seen several pieces when the people patch a hole with black jb welding and then spray paint over and it is really hard to notice.what I recommend is carring a flash light and magnifying glass, since collecting ci is like drugs once you start you won't stop,so welcome to the club and be willing to spend your 401k on ci:icon_rofl::chuckle::chuckle::lol:

 

[JBaur]

You need take your time when buying ci, I seen several pieces when the people patch a hole with black jb welding and then spray paint over and it is really hard to notice.what I recommend is carring a flash light and magnifying glass, since collecting ci is like drugs once you start you won't stop,so welcome to the club and be willing to spend your 401k on ci:icon_rofl::chuckle::chuckle::lol:

Been there. Some dealers are clever and hide cracks. Sometimes it's just a hairline crack filled with burnt oil that's difficult to see. I ring the pans and pots by tapping them with my fingernail. It can detect hard to find cracks. Inspect them carefully. Take your time. Bring a straight edge to check for warped bottoms. You'll get better at detecting damage.