Anybody know anything about cast iron?

[Vilatus]

Hi everybody,

I can't find anywhere that gives a definitive answer for this so I thought I'd ask here and maybe somebody will know.

I purchased a cast iron statuette of a greyhound and someone has used what appears to be a bic pen to color in blemishes on the metal's surface. Would it be ok to use rubbing alcohol to remove the pen or would it harm the metal? I would rather have some pen on it than harm it.

I was able to remove some of it with dish soap and water but a lot of it is in small spaces I can't get into. Picture below of the statuette.

 

[SailBoat]

You have a piece of cast iron art. Likely a numbered run with the artists name some place on the bottom. Depending on the artist and the size of the run (number produced) it can have some value.

The process requires the forming of a series of molds and molten iron or bronze is poured into the mold and allowed to cool. The mold is broken and the piece is cleaned and polished or buffed. Some are oil painted or oil rubbed.

Your question has more to do with how the art had been finished. Normally, rubbing alcohol will cause the pen and the finish to be removed. At that point, it would need to be re-sealed with whatever was originally used. if left exposed it will rust and pit.

 

[Vilatus]

You have a piece of cast iron art. Likely a numbered run with the artists name some place on the bottom. Depending on the artist and the size of the run (number produced) it can have some value.

The process requires the forming of a series of molds and molten iron or bronze is poured into the mold and allowed to cool. The mold is broken and the piece is cleaned and polished or buffed. Some are oil painted or oil rubbed.

Your question has more to do with how the art had been finished. Normally, rubbing alcohol will cause the pen and the finish to be removed. At that point, it would need to be re-sealed with whatever was originally used. if left exposed it will rust and pit.

Unfortunately, this piece has no maker's mark or anything! I'm thinking it may perhaps be a one of a kind someone made. No information could be provided so I guess I'll never know.

I see... Perhaps I'll just try to get in there with a toothbrush and dish soap to remove it. I can't believe this was the best somebody could come up with to "restore" it.

 

[SailBoat]

You have a piece of cast iron art. Likely a numbered run with the artists name some place on the bottom. Depending on the artist and the size of the run (number produced) it can have some value.

The process requires the forming of a series of molds and molten iron or bronze is poured into the mold and allowed to cool. The mold is broken and the piece is cleaned and polished or buffed. Some are oil painted or oil rubbed.

Your question has more to do with how the art had been finished. Normally, rubbing alcohol will cause the pen and the finish to be removed. At that point, it would need to be re-sealed with whatever was originally used. if left exposed it will rust and pit.

Unfortunately, this piece has no maker's mark or anything! I'm thinking it may perhaps be a one of a kind someone made. No information could be provided so I guess I'll never know.

I see... Perhaps I'll just try to get in there with a toothbrush and dish soap to remove it. I can't believe this was the best somebody could come up with to "restore" it.

"Restore," nothing anyone with any knowledge would have recommended.

At the very least, use a nature /corn oil to protect the metal from rusting. Apply with a Q-tip!. You would be better off to limit what you do to the surface. One of a kind is highly unlikely as the process for a single piece would be very expensive.

 

[Vilatus]

You have a piece of cast iron art. Likely a numbered run with the artists name some place on the bottom. Depending on the artist and the size of the run (number produced) it can have some value.

The process requires the forming of a series of molds and molten iron or bronze is poured into the mold and allowed to cool. The mold is broken and the piece is cleaned and polished or buffed. Some are oil painted or oil rubbed.

Your question has more to do with how the art had been finished. Normally, rubbing alcohol will cause the pen and the finish to be removed. At that point, it would need to be re-sealed with whatever was originally used. if left exposed it will rust and pit.

Unfortunately, this piece has no maker's mark or anything! I'm thinking it may perhaps be a one of a kind someone made. No information could be provided so I guess I'll never know.

I see... Perhaps I'll just try to get in there with a toothbrush and dish soap to remove it. I can't believe this was the best somebody could come up with to "restore" it.

"Restore," nothing anyone with any knowledge would have recommended.

At the very least, use a nature /corn oil to protect the metal from rusting. Apply with a Q-tip!. You would be better off to limit what you do to the surface. One of a kind is highly unlikely as the process for a single piece would be very expensive.

Seriously... unbelievable. Please leave old things alone!!! Its such a nightmare seeing people scrub patina off of things or paint old wood.

Ok thank you, I'll look into doing that. I would like to make sure to preserve this lil guy. Oh, I see. Thanks, I know nothing about this stuff haha. Actually one of my friends just found another of this guy that was sold a while back. That seller also had no info on him other than they think he was bronze, not cast iron. The search continues.

 

[SailBoat]

Unfortunately, this piece has no maker's mark or anything! I'm thinking it may perhaps be a one of a kind someone made. No information could be provided so I guess I'll never know.

I see... Perhaps I'll just try to get in there with a toothbrush and dish soap to remove it. I can't believe this was the best somebody could come up with to "restore" it.

"Restore," nothing anyone with any knowledge would have recommended.

At the very least, use a nature /corn oil to protect the metal from rusting. Apply with a Q-tip!. You would be better off to limit what you do to the surface. One of a kind is highly unlikely as the process for a single piece would be very expensive.

Seriously... unbelievable. Please leave old things alone!!! Its such a nightmare seeing people scrub patina off of things or paint old wood.

Ok thank you, I'll look into doing that. I would like to make sure to preserve this lil guy. Oh, I see. Thanks, I know nothing about this stuff haha. Actually one of my friends just found another of this guy that was sold a while back. That seller also had no info on him other than they think he was bronze, not cast iron. The search continues.

Bronze makes far more sense.

 

[noodles123]

I'd be cautious about eating out of unmarked cast-iron, as it can be made with harmful metals. Many products that are unmarked come from places with fewer regulations than the country of purchase (and that is a major generalization, but without a marking, you have no way of knowing the contents). If you can find antique Lodge etc, that is safer. Many of the antique cast-iron skillets that were made in the US and stamped with an identifier are safe. Numbers and stamped hallmarks were also used at times.


In general, you should not use solvents or soaps on cast iron (soap if you MUST) but the seasoning/patina is part of what makes them work, and some come pre-seasoned. Do not try to season the pans with the bird in the house...even under 400, the process is slow and can get very smokey. If you want to start over and re-season, you can use solvents, but again, the process takes a lot of time and if what you have is an antique, you don't want to mess with the patina....Whether or not you decide to eat out of it. I have seen some pretty sketchy stuff with cast-iron though (lots of replicas, lots of stains/finishes applied to make it look more legit, I've even seen them spray painted...)

 

[Vilatus]

I'd be cautious about eating out of unmarked cast-iron, as it can be made with harmful metals. Many products that are unmarked come from places with fewer regulations than the country of purchase (and that is a major generalization, but without a marking, you have no way of knowing the contents). If you can find antique Lodge etc, that is safer. Many of the antique cast-iron skillets that were made in the US and stamped with an identifier are safe. Numbers and stamped hallmarks were also used at times.


In general, you should not use solvents or soaps on cast iron (soap if you MUST) but the seasoning/patina is part of what makes them work, and some come pre-seasoned. Do not try to season the pans with the bird in the house...even under 400, the process is slow and can get very smokey. If you want to start over and re-season, you can use solvents, but again, the process takes a lot of time and if what you have is an antique, you don't want to mess with the patina....Whether or not you decide to eat out of it. I have seen some pretty sketchy stuff with cast-iron though (lots of replicas, lots of stains/finishes applied to make it look more legit, I've even seen them spray painted...)

It’s a sculpture, not a skillet. That’s actually why I posted here because the only information I could find was on skillets, lol. As stated in my other conversation I’m under the belief now that it may be bronze... but unsure.

Soap and water did the trick for the most part though of removing the pen. It’s not what I was looking for but reading your reply was very interesting! I never realized there was such detailed care for a skillet!


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[noodles123]

I TOTALLY skimmed that and saw just the part about caste iron lol! sorry


Do any of these look familiar? This is the tip of the ice-berg, I know...https://www.google.com/search?q=antique+cast+greyhound+figurine&client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=ALeKk02Eg3tLqAeuhMqlVdidBPm__AyKwQ:1617660703569&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=fykOsownEQztsM%252CjClArXTQz8p2nM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kTPwhE-p1ZlbnnqGw8AfWsyQlRCrw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjvouncj-jvAhXMVc0KHQkxCfwQ9QF6BAgLEAE#imgrc=fykOsownEQztsM


If you want help, sign me up. If I am good at anything, it is identifying antique/old stuff (or at least finding a match). Any markings? You might also try "whippet", as they look very similar when sculpted.

EDIT- Your picture wasn't loading for me, but it just did.

I would look closely at the eyes and ears if determining whether it is a match to anything similar.


Is this the one you got ?

Eyes look different but it's hard to tell based on the lighting.

 

[Vilatus]

I TOTALLY skimmed that and saw just the part about caste iron lol! sorry


Do any of these look familiar? This is the tip of the ice-berg, I know...https://www.google.com/search?q=ant...MVc0KHQkxCfwQ9QF6BAgLEAE#imgrc=fykOsownEQztsM


If you want help, sign me up. If I am good at anything, it is identifying antique/old stuff (or at least finding a match). Any markings? You might also try "whippet", as they look very similar when sculpted.

EDIT- Your picture wasn't loading for me, but it just did.

I would look closely at the eyes and ears if determining whether it is a match to anything similar.


Is this the one you got ?

Eyes look different but it's hard to tell based on the lighting.

No worries!!! I’ve been searching actually and found a couple exact matches nearly.

I’d be happy to get help if you’re interested! The sculpture has no markings unfortunately and neither do the ones I’ve come across.

Yes, that is the one I have!

This one is the same but it appears to have less detail sort of? https://etsy.me/3utdLd1

And this one is the same in terms of quality, but has a rug? https://etsy.me/3rTMOxs


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[noodles123]

I TOTALLY skimmed that and saw just the part about caste iron lol! sorry


Do any of these look familiar? This is the tip of the ice-berg, I know...https://www.google.com/search?q=antique+cast+greyhound+figurine&client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=ALeKk02Eg3tLqAeuhMqlVdidBPm__AyKwQ:1617660703569&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=fykOsownEQztsM%252CjClArXTQz8p2nM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kTPwhE-p1ZlbnnqGw8AfWsyQlRCrw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjvouncj-jvAhXMVc0KHQkxCfwQ9QF6BAgLEAE#imgrc=fykOsownEQztsM


If you want help, sign me up. If I am good at anything, it is identifying antique/old stuff (or at least finding a match). Any markings? You might also try "whippet", as they look very similar when sculpted.

EDIT- Your picture wasn't loading for me, but it just did.

I would look closely at the eyes and ears if determining whether it is a match to anything similar.


edit- looking at new pictures lol! will revise as needed haha



Is this the one you got ?

Eyes look different but it's hard to tell based on the lighting.

No worries!!! I’ve been searching actually and found a couple exact matches nearly.

I’d be happy to get help if you’re interested! The sculpture has no markings unfortunately and neither do the ones I’ve come across.

Yes, that is the one I have!

This one is the same but it appears to have less detail sort of? https://etsy.me/3utdLd1

And this one is the same in terms of quality, but has a rug? https://etsy.me/3rTMOxs


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Have you looked in the light between its paws and in weird places for any hallmarks or numbers/markings? What was the seller's backstory on it? The eyes seem very different in the 2nd/rug one-- harsher. My guess is 50s-60s, possibly in a pair and likely interesting to those who are into mid-century style (which means, a lot of people lol!-as that is what is selling) but not sure. It doesn't SEEM Victorian (based on the way it is sculpted). It could be, but that isn't my bet. If I were to take a shot in the dark (and this is just a guess) I would bank on 50s-60s and not go any earlier than 1930ish...again, just a guess.

 

[Vilatus]

I TOTALLY skimmed that and saw just the part about caste iron lol! sorry


Do any of these look familiar? This is the tip of the ice-berg, I know...https://www.google.com/search?q=ant...MVc0KHQkxCfwQ9QF6BAgLEAE#imgrc=fykOsownEQztsM


If you want help, sign me up. If I am good at anything, it is identifying antique/old stuff (or at least finding a match). Any markings? You might also try "whippet", as they look very similar when sculpted.

EDIT- Your picture wasn't loading for me, but it just did.

I would look closely at the eyes and ears if determining whether it is a match to anything similar.


Is this the one you got ?

Eyes look different but it's hard to tell based on the lighting.

No worries!!! I’ve been searching actually and found a couple exact matches nearly.

I’d be happy to get help if you’re interested! The sculpture has no markings unfortunately and neither do the ones I’ve come across.

Yes, that is the one I have!

This one is the same but it appears to have less detail sort of? https://etsy.me/3utdLd1

And this one is the same in terms of quality, but has a rug? https://etsy.me/3rTMOxs


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Have you looked in the light between its paws and in weird places for any hallmarks or numbers/markings? What was the seller's backstory on it? The eyes seem very different in the 2nd/rug one-- harsher. My guess is 50s-60s, possibly in a pair and likely valuable to those interested in mid-century (which means, a lot of people lol!) but not sure. It doesn't seem Victorian. It could be, but that isn't my bet.

There is absolutely nothing. Even the inside (hollow) is empty. Also absolutely no information from the seller unfortunately... I agree, it looks like it’s a separate “run” of it if you will. Oh I wonder... it could have been a pair. I’m in love with vintage/antiques so... he’s valuable to me too! Sailboat had the same opinion that it was 50s-60s.


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[noodles123]

No worries!!! I’ve been searching actually and found a couple exact matches nearly.

I’d be happy to get help if you’re interested! The sculpture has no markings unfortunately and neither do the ones I’ve come across.

Yes, that is the one I have!

This one is the same but it appears to have less detail sort of? https://etsy.me/3utdLd1

And this one is the same in terms of quality, but has a rug? https://etsy.me/3rTMOxs


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Have you looked in the light between its paws and in weird places for any hallmarks or numbers/markings? What was the seller's backstory on it? The eyes seem very different in the 2nd/rug one-- harsher. My guess is 50s-60s, possibly in a pair and likely valuable to those interested in mid-century (which means, a lot of people lol!) but not sure. It doesn't seem Victorian. It could be, but that isn't my bet.

There is absolutely nothing. Even the inside (hollow) is empty. Also absolutely no information from the seller unfortunately... I agree, it looks like it’s a separate “run” of it if you will. Oh I wonder... it could have been a pair. I’m in love with vintage/antiques so... he’s valuable to me too! Sailboat had the same opinion that it was 50s-60s.


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Was he likely purchased in the US? If he was purchased out of the country (when traveling etc), my knowledge isn't as good pre-1930s lol! I do spend a ton of time looking into stuff like this, but it gets tricky. I know that we had some storks etc that were bronze like this and a sticker was usually the identifier...Cant recall if they were stamped... Any signs of flocking on the bottom? Not all of them have it, but some did (mid century). If you see flocking, it is likely 50s or 60s and if you don't it could just as well be 50s/60s (as many didn't have it), it is just that flocking generally applies to a certain era (in terms of sculpture bottoms lol!)


Note: that having been said, older ladies often added flocking to protect glass table-tops, so take that with a grain of salt. I will keep looking, but banking on mid-century so far...that having been said, that picture of the eyes you sent made it seem older for some reason. I will keep hunting ha!

 

[Vilatus]

Have you looked in the light between its paws and in weird places for any hallmarks or numbers/markings? What was the seller's backstory on it? The eyes seem very different in the 2nd/rug one-- harsher. My guess is 50s-60s, possibly in a pair and likely valuable to those interested in mid-century (which means, a lot of people lol!) but not sure. It doesn't seem Victorian. It could be, but that isn't my bet.

There is absolutely nothing. Even the inside (hollow) is empty. Also absolutely no information from the seller unfortunately... I agree, it looks like it’s a separate “run” of it if you will. Oh I wonder... it could have been a pair. I’m in love with vintage/antiques so... he’s valuable to me too! Sailboat had the same opinion that it was 50s-60s.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Was he likely purchased in the US? If he was purchased out of the country (when traveling etc), by knowledge isn't as good lol! I do spend a ton of time looking into stuff like this, but it gets tricky. I know that we had some storks etc that were bronze like this and a sticker was usually the identifier...Cant recall if they were stamped... Any signs of flocking on the bottom? Not all of them have it, but some did (mid century). If you see flocking, it is likely 50s or 60s and if you don't it could just as well be, it is just that flocking generally applies to a certain era (in terms of sculpture bottoms lol!)

I purchased him from a seller in Virginia. The ones I linked yo

u to were US and UK respectively. He’s really tricky as he just doesn’t have ANY markings! I’m not sure how to identify if it has flocking or not but here’s a photo of the bottom.


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[noodles123]

Kovels offers free appraisals and I managed to acquire a decently valuable carving for 75 cents at a thrift store--- you might ask them and at least they can tell you if it has a value over a few hundred bucks.--Not that that matters in terms of sentimental value, but they can give you some history if you present an item of interest. I have had hits and misses and they respond if they think you have something interesting.

 

[Vilatus]

Kovels offers free appraisals and I managed to acquire a decently valuable carving for 75 cents at a thrift store--- you might ask them and at least they can tell you if it has a value over a few hundred bucks.--Not that that matters in terms of sentimental value, but they can give you some history if you present an item of interest. I have had hits and misses and they respond if they think you have something interesting.

I’ll check it out! In the meantime I actually think I might make a Reddit thread.


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[noodles123]

If I could just research antiques all day and hang with Noodles, I totally would. You should. I will check back in a bit--- trying to get settled and prep for work tomorrow, but I like your greyhound!

 

[Vilatus]

If I could just research antiques all day and hang with Noodles, I totally would. You should. I will check back in a bit--- trying to get settled and prep for work tomorrow, but I like your greyhound!

Sounds like we should hang out lol! Ok, have a good rest of your night just in case. Thank you for all your help!


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[noodles123]

HAHA- true.
I am not sure I helped much, but it's so hard when it isn't in front of you etc. I love the mystery though-- that's part of the fun of researching I suppose.
I will say, that bottom looks fairly irregular when compared to some mid-century bits (although, not all)..hmmmm

 

[Vilatus]

HAHA- true.
I am not sure I helped much, but it's so hard when it isn't in front of you etc. I love the mystery though-- that's part of the fun of researching I suppose.

Any help is appreciated.

I’m even more confused now though. I’m wondering if he’s some sort of unlicensed model... there’s a version of the same dog at a museum in Basildon Park, Berkshire... as well as ones sold through an antiques site. But both of them have a base to them. The rabbit hole for this thing is weird, all versions besides the museum have no credit!!!


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