Trying to ID a cast iron and new to the community

[AWolfe]

Hello all,

My dad gave me a cast iron pot from a sale he found. I am restoring it. It will be awesome when I am done. I am trying to figure out who manufactured it. It is about a 2 gallon pot, has 3 legs, the bale is attached to some interesting ears, it is pitted like it is iron, and the bottom has only one marking other than what appears to be a gate mark. The marking is 8 SD. Here is the pre-restoration shots. Anyone who has info would be great, I am new at this and learning.

 

[TonyR]

If you're not sure if it's iron, a magnet will tell you.

 

[KevinE]

With no other markings, bottom gated pieces are next to impossible to identify the maker. The "SD" is most likely the molder's marks, i.e., the initials of the guy that actually made the pot in whatever foundry it was made in.

 

[AWolfe]

Great, that is good to know. I knew it was iron but wasn't sure if the SD denoted a company. That would make sense though. Almost like a boutique kind of thing, a small iron shop etc. Well it is cleaning up nicely. I am going to get a lead testing kit at the hardware store and test the bottom just to be safe and make sure it wasn't used for making something like bullets. if it is safe to use, then guess who has a new chili pot! Otherwise, then I have a great conversation piece!