| Author |
Farm Kitchen:  Are antique crock bowls safe to use?  |
|
|
ashcordes
True Blue Farmgirl
197 Posts
Ashley
Roann
IN
USA
197 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 06:05:29 AM
|
I just purchased to antique crock bowls yesterday and I'm wondering if they're safe to use for serving food? If not, would they be safe to use as a candy dish?
What other uses can I find for these, any "display" ideas? |
|
|
happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 06:13:12 AM
|
Ashley, I read something about some old dishes having lead and other unsafe stuff, that once it gets scratched it's a problem. I can't remember where I read this, but it mentioned a way to test the item. Sorry I can't be of more help. If nobody here has an answer, you might want to call your local Extension Office and see if they have any advice. I've found those folks know almost everything!
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Please visit me at www.marykay.com/pmiinch |
 |
|
|
bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 09:56:25 AM
|
There is an inexpensive kit you can get to test the lead in your dishes. But NEVER put them in the microwave or dishwasher!
with a happy heart |
|
|
|
BarefootGoatGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1495 Posts
Corrine
North Carolina
USA
1495 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 11:17:32 AM
|
How old does a bowl have to be for there to be a lead issue? Most of my large glass bowls are WWII era (passed down from my grandmother) and there are a few more of unknown, possably older orgins.
Trina
'
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. Proverbs 27:23 |
|
|
|
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2007 : 8:26:14 PM
|
Lead is a wonderful colorant and so was used in a lot of glazes for ceramics- and still is today. However today's potters make sure to clearly label an item if it is not food safe (look at the bottom of the bowl where the potter's signature/mark is). Lead can and an amazing color spectrum to glazes.
Glass too can be colored by lead. As far as antiques go- for a long time, lead was not recognized as a harmful substance. Many antique pottery items do have lead in the glaze. With glass you should be fine as long as you don't store something liquid in them for longer than it takes to drink a glass of wine or mix something up. We still drink out of leaded crystal because the lead doesn't leach out that fast.
The real danger is with the ceramics because the glaze can crack or chip into the food and the lead can leech out much faster. I certainly advocate testing any antique pottery with the kits before use. Better safe than sorry! :)
|
|
|
|
BarefootGoatGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1495 Posts
Corrine
North Carolina
USA
1495 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2007 : 10:19:26 AM
|
Thanks, Alee. I guess what I have is safe, they are mainly mixing bowls and serving dishes, not things you put in the refrigerator. My pottery is new and concidered food safe.
Trina
'
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. Proverbs 27:23 |
|
|
| |
Farm Kitchen: Are antique crock bowls safe to use? |
|
Are antique crock bowls safe to use?
