To sell or not to sell - cast iron 101

I had one of those reseller moments of indecision with some Wagner cast iron pans I picked up at the auction house. I actually got a high end kitchen lot for the $$$$ metal Atlas pepper grinder. I just wanted to see what the hype was all about and why someone would pay $200 for pepper grinder. The pans just happen to be in that lot. The plan was always to sell them to cover the $65 auction bid. I don't think there's a lot difference in vintage cast iron pans so long as they were taken care of. Now with the new imports, the surface does make a difference.

I sold the #8 pan (10" surface) for $40, which is at the low end for a Wagner. I debated for awhile if I should hold out or just take the offer. It was marked as the other ones in the lot aren't but I know are Wagner. The pan didn't pass the spin test so it wasn't perfect. I should have tested it at the auction house but I was more interested in the pepper grinder. 

Spin Test - A cast iron pan should not spin, wiggle or move when on a flat surface. If it does, it's warped and will cause hot spots. Even the smallest movement it would get rejected to those serious about their pans.