I’m guessing the finish chipped from the store cleaning the pan aggressively, but poorly, given the recent sticker date. Is that unusual? Gonna refinish it myself this week, as long as this isn’t setting off anyone’s alarm bells.
Edit: gonna head to the hardware store for a lead test kit and magnets this weekend, unless someone can think of a better process. Thanks for the advice, all!
“Lead Check” by Luxfer doesn’t give as many false positives as other brands. Buy a set of testers, use one on a cast iron cooking tool you know is lead-free. Use the same tool immediately on your thrifted piece.
If your thrifted piece does test positive for lead, please, please destroy it.
If it’s lead-free, yellow cap strip it, give it a brief/gentle sanding. and reseason.