re: Advice on restoring a large black iron pot

I've restored dozens of vintage Griswold and Wagner iron pots and pans.

Follow Martini's advice. Get a fire going and burn off the rust and built up crud. Use a steel brush to remove tough build up after the burn. Season with shortening or canola oil. Do not sandblast or use chemicals if you intend to cook with it afterward.

Some pots do crack after being exposed to really intense fire. It happens but is quite rare..