I wiped my boots on the rug.

 Okay, so I cannot exactly say that my addiction hobby of finding, collecting, and refurbishing cast iron started because I inherited Great Great Grand-Uncles stew pot he used during the Civil War and only on Sundays. It actually started because I wiped my feet on the entry rug when I entered a tiny little Antique Store in Sequim, WA. This place is called Two Sparrows. I live about 65 miles away. I was actually up near the Olympic National Forest doing some prospecting for gold. One of my other addictions hobbies. At any rate, I walked in to the place actually looking for Fiesta Ware for my wife. She collects the stuff. I like to find it for her. She likes Fiesta, I like Hollow Ware. It is one of those live and let live relationships I suppose. But here I go digressing again... When I entered the building, the owner noticed I wiped my feet. Without hesitation she says, "Would you rent a booth from me?"

  Naturally, I was quite taken aback. I had never been offered a business opportunity the moment I walked into a door so I asked her, "Why?".

  "Well, you wiped your feet on the rug. Not many people do that and if you respect my business that much I figure you would be a good vendor."

  The next question I had for her was, "What should I sell?" Her two word answer is what started it all:

 "Cast Iron."

  Well, that conversation became an obsession for me. I focused on cast iron hollow ware, started learning the different brands. I wanted to become an 'expert' knowing there when it comes to hollow ware, there really aren't any experts. There are folks that know more than others or know how to do things differently than others but no real experts. All I know is that I found a useful hobby, something that people can get a real benefit out of. Using and restoring cast iron preserves a little bit of American History. I get to talk to folks about how they use there skillets and pots and pan. I can help them find a skillet or kettle or dutch oven that is a perfect fit for their cooking style and family. For me it is quite a rewarding event.

 One of the most encouraging 'In the Wild' finds that I had while I hunting for cast iron was this little gem. No really, its a gem. This style of pan is called a "Gem Pan". Specifically this one is No. 9. Variation 6 Griswold Golf Ball Gem Pan. Otherwise known as the Brownie Cake Pan. PN 947. 

Griswold No 9. Golf Ball Gem Pan P/N 947. Before.

   The above picture is how I found this pan. As you can see there is some light surface rust. There is also the remains of some seasoning. Not a good way to display it. Here is a picture of the other side. 

The other side.

  Using some of the methods that i describe in this page of my website www.castironjim.com I was able to restore this neat little pan to a usable condition. Specifically, I implemented the Self Clean Oven and the Seasoning technique. The next couple of pictures are the result.

After Re-seasoning, Bottom.

After Re-seasoning, Top.

 I have this little guy mounted right above my stove in the kitchen. Much to my wife's chagrin, it probably the only thing in the house that I dust on a regular basis. There is simply something about finding that little gem in the wild, restoring it and having the pan available for use whenever I want.
  Well, that's all for today. Please send me your story of that exciting find! I would love to hear the tale. If you would like me to share it, please let me know, and I will pick a few for future posts. You can send your photo's and story to jim@castironjim.com.
 Happy Hunting! And until next time, Cast Iron Jim out.