Is this crock useable?

[Hell Fire Grill]

Its dirty, cracked and crazzzy. The crack looks like it goes all the way through but it hasn't leaked water yet.






After its cleaned up.






I cant read the tattoo on the bottom, anybody able to read it or recognize it?



I seen somewhere on the internet where somebody recommended melting Bee's wax into the crack. Any advise on gettin this ol' crock back into service is appreciated.

[blk]

As a environmental engineer I would highly recommend you use this crock as a nice decoration and avoid making any food in it. Most (almost all) of these old crocks contained high degrees of lead in the clay or in the glazes used. It does and will leach into the food. Especially with acid present in the brine. Many people of yesteryear were sickened by this in both acute illness and in long term systemic lead poisoning. Beware. It is a lovely crock and will make a very nice magazine holder.

[blk]

Hhttp://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllne ... 233281.htm Here is a link about lead in pottery. Still today.