Columbus Iron Works Grill

[ChuckP]

I picked up this Columbus Iron Works grill from a lady that said it was her grandfather's and that he had bought it new in the late 40'/early 50's.
After I drove over an hour to get there I saw that it was originally a plated piece. Most of the plating is gone with only the underside and one door remaining.
I know that black iron is preferred, but with so few of these around and so little plating left, how much does this effect the value of this piece? https://imgur.com/a/G3tYGmg

[Doug D.]

I've never seen a reference to these being plated. Plating of CI cookware literally doubled the price. Seems like an extravagance for a charcoal grill. Are you sure it's actually plating? Perhaps remnants of silver paint?

[ChuckP]

I just looked it over again and it sure looks like plating to me, but I know just enough to be dangerous. I'll bring it out in the daylight tomorrow and take some more pictures and post them up.

[Doug D.]

I found this in which the coating is described as paint, but it doesn't necessarily disprove the possibility of plating.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...ron-1815561714

[ChuckP]

Very interesting for sure. Mine actually has remnants of red paint on the handle.

[ChuckP]

Here are some follow up pictures that I took this morning.https://imgur.com/a/K8NMdjY
The first one seems to solve the question of it being plated or painted. Fingerprint = Paint. Would it be safe to assume that this was a factory finish? Would my e-tank remove it?
I would prefer to have it all black iron.