Some thoughts: I've never seen a Griswold recast that didn't have a gatemark or some other obvious alteration. If it is a recast, the maker knew something about modern casting technology. Flaws aside, it appears to be a smooth, machine-finished casting otherwise. I'd say it's a piece that shouldn't have made it past quality control, but did. If I had asked in advance if it was cracked and was told it wasn't, I'd want a refund.