Chicago Hdw. Foundry Dutch Oven (?)

[StueySF]

I acquired what I think is a CHF dutch oven, "shallow hammered" style, marked "38" in the typical CHF font and location, with a heat ring, without a lid. I am more confident in my foundry ID than the type of piece, since this is the only one with tab handles versus a bail handle I have seen.

Before I start searching for a lid or otherwise invest more in it emotionally or otherwise, I would appreciate any info or experience that would clarify what purpose it is meant to serve, and/or the history of the pattern (if it is CHF.) From the dimensions, it also seems to be a size 8 DO versus a serving dish but that is just a guess.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/p7b2eqvqq0y40dw/2014-08-11 19.36.21.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/a60v7uixr1j6pxu/2014-08-11 19.37.21.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ehlcyhq7llfw82f/2014-08-11 19.40.19.jpg

 

[Doug D.]

I would say definitely CHF. I think that's going to be "88" after cleaning. I have seen this piece with these same handles, with small holes in them (drilled?) and a bail attached, with large holes like a loop handle, and with bisected loops like a typical DO bail handle attachment. Also with/without assist handle, and with/without heat ring. And also with or without a pour lip. I'm not sure if those design differences correlate somehow to the different CHF hammering styles.

 

[StueySF]

Thanks Doug! It is an "88", although the middle of the first 8 did not imprint, as it turns out after some lye and scrubbing, sort of a "u8". Would the heat ring and shallow numbers make it an earlier or later piece?

I don't suppose given the diversity of variations over the relatively short history of the foundry that there a definitive reference on CHF which could shed some light?

Thanks again.