It's possible that you're having trouble finding information on a specific cast iron pot and lid made by J Hamilton from Wheeling, Virginia, for a few reasons:
Limited Production: The pot and lid you're looking for may be part of a limited production run or a vintage item that is no longer widely available. Such items, especially those from smaller or less well-known manufacturers, may not have a significant online presence or documentation.
Obsolete or Rare Product: If the pot and lid were produced a long time ago or were not part of a large-scale manufacturing operation, it's possible that information about them is scarce or not digitized.
Lack of Recognition: J Hamilton as a manufacturer may not be well-documented or recognized in the broader historical context of cast iron cookware. Sometimes, smaller or local producers don't leave a substantial historical trail or may not have garnered widespread attention.
Name Variations: There might be variations in the name of the manufacturer or the location. For instance, "Wheeling" might be associated with Wheeling, West Virginia, rather than Virginia. Also, the name "J Hamilton" could be spelled differently or appear with initials instead of a full first name.
Specialized or Regional Production: Some cast iron manufacturers produced items for specific regions or markets, making their products less common and harder to find information about, especially on a broader scale.
If you are specifically looking for information about this J Hamilton cast iron pot and lid, you can try the following steps to potentially uncover more details:
Local Historical Societies or Libraries: Check with local historical societies, libraries, or museums in the Wheeling, Virginia (or West Virginia) area. They might have information about regional manufacturers and historical cookware.
Antique and Collectibles Forums: Engage with online communities and forums that focus on antique cookware or cast iron collecting. Other enthusiasts might have come across similar items or know more about J Hamilton's products.
Contact Antique Dealers: Reach out to antique dealers who specialize in vintage cookware or cast iron items. They might have encountered J Hamilton pieces in the past and could provide more insight.
Collector Groups and Associations: Look for cast iron collector groups or associations online. Members of these groups are often knowledgeable about various cast iron manufacturers and may have information on rare pieces.
Auction Houses: Keep an eye on auction websites or visit local auction houses that deal with antique cookware. They might occasionally list rare or unusual cast iron items, and you could find more information through their listings.
Remember that researching and identifying specific pieces of vintage or rare cookware can take time and effort, but with persistence and the right resources, you may eventually uncover more details about the J Hamilton cast iron pot and lid from Wheeling, Virginia.