Grinding Marks?

That's factory. When you see that, you're looking at a piece that hasn't been worn from utensil contact or other forms of erosion. Some pieces, especially older ones, will have been polished absolutely smooth. Depending on the foundry, and the type and age of the grinder itself, you'll see these marks as fine concentric rings or spiral swirl on the bottoms of cooking surfaces, and basically what you see there in your photo on the inner wall.

Compare to this 1950s Lodge I found recently: http://www.castironcollector.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182
 
As luck would have it I found a nearly identical pan to yours at a flea market to day for five bucks, not as nice as yours but in very nice condition and being cleaned as I type.
I don't see any grinding marks at all, Is it because of wear from use, or a new grinding wheel was used on it or because although similar they were made many years apart with a different process? What do collectors prefer? How do the marks affect value? because I've passed on a few pieces I would like to have had because of the marks. Sorry for all the questions but I have looked for information on google without much success. This site and your knowledge is a great resource. Thanks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bday06041975/9580569106/in/set-72157635206664694
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bday06041975/9577782023/in/set-72157635206664694/
 
I have a #10 Lodge of the same vintage which is smooth as glass on the bottom, with less-defined grind marks similar to your pan's on the sidewalls and near the edges of the bottom. Variations can be from the mechanism used, the degree of wear of the grindstone, or the level of aggressiveness of the operator. While it's nice to find a piece in more factory-fresh condition as evidenced by distinct finishing marks, I don't think value is affected too much by it. Lack of utensil marks vs. heavy utensil marks would more likely affect value.
 
If I weren't a bit lazy or so busy I would find a new photo host. I have some photos showing some NOS Griswold pans and the grinding done which is superbly nice but no easy way to post the photos here.
 
Some of my favorite users have the swirling still evident, like the #9 smooth bottom Wagner or even the superb #7 Lodge from 1900-1910.
 
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