Basically a Ponset is a 3 legged Cast Iron cooking pot, with a handle. Used for cooking over the embers of a fireplace hearth. These small pots are sometimes called pipkins and the larger versions are skillets. The Ponset is used for melting butter, making sauces, gravies, etc.

I collected this in Northern Maine awhile back. It is a Revolutionary War era piece, still in excellent condition. There are no makers marks in it, but it is most likely a New England foundry casting due to the roughness of the sprue and the width of the gate it was poured through.

Here it is, pictured in some early cleaning stages. I will be seasoning it over the next few days. It will go into our permanent collection, and be used regularly.

Small in size, it measures just 4" high and the top is just 5" across...

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Non gratum anus rodentum

Cool! My mother-in-law likes antiques, especially those common to the turn of the century and earlier South. I have heard the word "pipkin" but had no idea what it meant. Thanks for this post.

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Very cool. Would love to see what it looks like after cleaning and seasoning.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

How or what do you use/do to clean a old piece like that?
I understand cleaning if you are going to use it, but thought doing so devalues antiques?

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Still Running Against the Wind

Years ago, my Dad made a BBQ grill out of a cast iron pot, not a ponset as it did not have a handle, and that is, without a doubt, one of the finest grills I have ever used.

A few months ago, my mother was about to get rid of it. I had totally forgotten about the grill and brought it home.

Dad had made a little cart to be able to move it. It does not look like much but it is the bomb.

Cooking in cast iron devices is just better, do not know why, but it is.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

It holds and dissipates heat so well. Besides lasting forever.

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Still Running Against the Wind

Rule3,


Cast iron that is well seasoned without obvious defects is desirable. It is in a condition that a well cared for piece...should be in.

Some of the pieces I have found were spray painted gold, stove blacked, used for planters, etc. Restoring can even take bead blasting or other radical measures.

The Ponset was just neglected and only required minor caustic treatment an repeated soakings in dish water with rigorous scrubbing. Years of built up layers of crux were removed to get it in condition to be seasoned again.

It is nearly as good now, as it was 250 years ago. Maybe in another 250 years it will need doing, again.

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Non gratum anus rodentum

I can't believe it! You found my old chamber pot!!!

And don't worry about seasoning it...I eat lots of spicy foods...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Is this what the Filipino dish is made in that gives it the same name???

Thanks. You sure do collect some nice items. Please show us a picture of it when cleaned and seasoned.

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Still Running Against the Wind

First, thanks for teaching me a new word! Ponset.

Nice catch, as it is always heartening to return something intended for use back to its purpose.

And cast iron should be up for the use.

Thanks!

Dyson

Another fine find, giz... and I'd be willing to bet I know how you're gonna use it, too. Man, I'd love to see your campsite. Take care!

Hog