Neophite

[B Horton]

Decided over the weekend that I need some cast iron cookware. Found this one for sale and can't figure out what is going on with the bottom. It should not be like this correct?

 

[Doug D.]

Pitting from use over a coal or other sulfur-containing heat source. Common to various degrees on older pieces, such as this one. The sulfur when burned forms sulfuric acid which dissolves and diplaces the metal.

 

[B Horton]

Thanks for reply. So the pitted bottom would probably cause uneven heating and I should avoid buying it?

 

[Doug D.]

The pitted bottom detracts greatly from collectible value, but usability should not be materially affected.