What's interesting about unmarked pieces is they are typically on par with if not equal to the quality of their marked counterparts. Look for a maker's name and location. Antique dealers may be able to provide information on other brands. I made cornbread for the first time in my cast-iron skillet, and took some earlier 'hound advice about heating the skillet in the oven as it preheated. It’s old, deceptively heavy, and not multi-functional at all, but it turns out the hottest, most irresistible little corn sticks.Corn bread made in a cast iron pan is downright delicious. The characteristics described apply to skillets unless otherwise noted. When you spot a cast iron skillet at the junkyard or flea market, it could be a … This is the result of the highly successful method of 'Trial and Error' to find the perfect cornbread for my 10 Cast Iron Skillet. Wed be happy to help you! The right cast iron skillet varies from chef to chef, but Thomas has a few favorites. Or, if there are marked counterparts of identical design and dimensions, they may provide a clue.Gate marked bottoms are often an indication of late 18th or 19th century production, however, use of the technology continued into the 20th century on large format pieces like sugar kettles long after the majority of cookware manufacture had moved to side gating. Sometimes, certain designs can be narrowed down to a particular century or part thereof, or to a geographical region. Pieces up to and including Century series may also have been sold branded as Atlanta Stove Works. I found this great pan at a thrift store and paid 50 cents for it. It is a neat Sugaro cactus design, too cool. Many makers patented cookware or novelty designs to show how modern their pieces were. Co. That these characteristics describe a Blacklock skillet are conjecture, as no marked Blacklock skillets are known to exist. Since this recipe makes about 14 cornbread logs, you can also use a small cast iron skillet for the other half of the batter or just bake the cornbread logs in two batches. The number will be preceded by the words "US Patent.". From shop stoneridgeattic. Cornbread, corn muffins and cornbread sticks are all similar -- all are made with cornmeal, are baked in a pan with individual compartments and all pair well with everything from pinto beans to collard greens. Combine cornmeal, salt, cayenne, honey, eggs, and buttermilk. Some of the more intricate shapes in the molds result in the cornbread sticking inside the pan. Check for size markings. For beginners and home cooks, she likes Lodge , a heritage brand that’s basically synonymous with cast iron. To season a brand-new cast-iron mold or pan, heat your oven to 300 F.Then, wash the cast-iron in hot, soapy water. Condition: Overall in good condition with expected signs of use given its age, including wear to the finish. Other unmarked pans exist with the same font and whose ghost marks can be found on marked Griswold pans, Some earliest examples unmarked except for size number on handle; are IDed by other Wagner characteristics, Descriptive size at 6 o'clock, e.g. For instance, the skillet with lid pictured here is marked "8" but is actually 10 inches across. They become Griswold and Wagner in 1957, and in 1996 assumed the name that is stamped on most of their cookware, "Wagner Ware." ), (After 1987, Lodge resumed putting its name on its products. Please contact us for a quote! Here's how to begin to decide which cookware to keep (and use) and which to put in the rummage sale. Click on each picture for a larger image. Check dealers and collectors club catalogs and websites to find markings that match the stampings on your pieces. There are instances, however, where the parentage of some 20th century cast iron ware seems mysteriously unclear. 3. A manufacturer of cast-iron cookware often stamps its name in large text on the underside of the piece. HELP, how do I get rust off an old cast iron cornbread pan? Knowing exactly who made these early pieces and when is more often than not impossible. *Updated directions 2/16/2015* 5 out of 5 stars (687) 687 reviews $ 15.00. ~ Forums TOS Typically, the only characteristics which distinguish these older pans are confined to molder's marks (usually the foundryman's initials), a decorative handle design, or the shape and style of the bail handle attachment ears. This indicates you must refinish (re-season) your cast iron cornstick pan. A couple of manufacturers actually made the decision at some point to cast all of their pieces without inscribed trademarks, instead relying totally on the adhesive labels. "NO.8" "10-5/8 INCHES"*, Lids have dimples in a radial pattern for basters, size number and diameter incised on underside, 1967 and later examples have "MADE IN USA" added at 12 o'clock, Later, pattern/quality control numbering added at 6 o'clock, Descriptive name added below size e.g. Last night I baked cornbread in them, but had difficulty getting them out in a corn shape. Small Raised Letters or Numbers. Griswold Manufacturing Company was established in 1865 and was purchased by Wagner Ware in 1957. Cheddar cheese and jalapeños, avocados and bacon, blue cheese and buffalo chicken, or cranberries and oranges are … The mark may not always correspond to the actual measurement of the piece. Start with the Brand. "6½ INCH SKILLET" (absent on early examples), After the acquisition of Griswold in 1959, pieces typically referred to as "unmarked Wagner" made in Sidney, Ohio were also sold under the "Griswold Early American" label, Divided cornbread skillets have typical late-style Wagner handle, Solid concentric rings for basting drippers, incised markings and raised size numeral on bottom, and a unique bevel-edged handle shape indicative of a lid made from a Griswold pattern after the Wagner buy-out, Size number with or without dashes, may be underlined, at 3 o'clock, oriented sideways, Outside heat ring, smooth bottom versions exist, Hollowed-out skillet handle bottom, with very long reinforcement rib extending to the hanging hole, Tops of handle ends appear "stretched" and curved slightly downwards, Dutch ovens are identifiable by their wide undivided loop bail attachments with handle attached across diagonally, Distinct handle reinforcement rib and pad, May or may not have raised molder's mark at 6 o'clock, Incised dots, sometimes letters on skillet handle bottoms, Size number inscribed on top of skillet handle, often askew, Lids have raised size number on top, pour spout "ears", Poor casting finish and detail on undersides of lids, Dutch ovens have protruding tab handles with holes, no bale. While makers marks have undergone continual change, each mark fits onto a timeline for dating. There may be more than one unknown maker of skillets sharing these characteristics. Measurements: ), Unmarked a/k/a "Iron Mountain"¹ (1930s-early 1940s), Vollrath Manufacturing Co. - Sheboygan, WI. Find any stock numbers. 1967 and later examples have "MADE IN … Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright ©2010-2020. Along with production of everyday cast iron skillets, BS&R is credited with the introduction of the popular corn bread skillet, a cast iron pan with eight separate wedges meant for making individual pieces of corn bread. This could be due to the fact, much of the cast iron is over 100 years old and still very usable today. Part of the allure of vintage cast iron, besides the fineness of the castings, are the unique trademarks and detail work the foundries of the past cast into each piece they produced. Skillets have: Pieces including skillets, chicken fryer, and dutch ovens have: While unmarked pieces produced by the major name brand manufacturers can often be identified, those made by the myriad small foundries of the 19th century and earlier usually cannot. Here's how to make cornbread in a cast iron pan without any sticking -- no matter what kind of cornbread pan you're using. Year: 1920 Origin: American Material: Cast Iron Weight: 4 lbs Dimensions (in inches): H 13 x W 6 We DO ship out of the country, but shipping can be pricy depending on size and weight. Some of them actually enjoy collectible status. Birmingham Stove & Range can be credited as the first company to produce the popular cornbread skillet, a cast iron pan with eight wedges for individual pieces of cornbread. *Difference in Red Mountain and early Century series mainly a 1954 branding change. I also oiled the hot skillet before I poured the batter in. I already tried Easy Off and wanted to try Naval Jelly, but the Naval Jelly is caustic and cast iron is porous. Reprint catalogs are available from American Culinary, successor company to Griswold and Wagner Ware, that can be used to identify pieces. Foundry markings that may or may not be present, hieroglyphics in the shape of Indian heads or spiders, coded numbers and obscure notches on the bottom ‒ all are indicators of age and thus value of old cast iron cookware. Putting a value on your pieces can be as easy as finding an identical piece at an antique mall or as involved as finding an expert to give you an appraisal. Some pieces may have a U.S. patent number rather than a date. Answer + 22. Griswold pieces may also have their factory location, "Erie Pa." on the bottom of the pan. Pattern makers were both skilled craftsmen and artists, in some cases even carving small, unique figures ("maker's marks") into their work to identify themselves. Rinse and dry thoroughly before applying a liberal coat of solid vegetable shortening to every nook and cranny. There is a case in which you may see a small raised number, letter, or group of letters on a pan. A retired municipal judgem Reynolds holds a degree in communications from Northern Illinois University. How Can I Tell the Maker of a Pearl Necklace. How to Season a Cast-Iron Baking Mold . Answered. These numbers may refer to a catalog number. In addition to store brands, like those made for companies such as Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward, several major foundries produced unmarked versions of their goods for sale in hardware, department, and building supply stores. Click on any item with a icon for a gallery of photos: Birmingham Stove & Range Co. - Birmingham, AL, Early 1950s-Mid 1960s "Red Mountain" to "Century" Transition*. The cornbread mold pictured has only a "7S" mark on the back, possibly denoting that it is a seven-muffin plaque. The Wagner Ware ashtray pictured here has a stock number of "1050" with a letter "c" beneath it. Skillets: If heat ring, unbroken and inset, Ridge on bottom of skillet handle does not flatten out at sidewall of pan, Lids have indented dimples for basting drippers, Dutch oven lids also have pour spout "ears", Corn stick pans have alternating-direction cups, "curved M" shaped loop handles, and are usually marked only with numeral 7 and a letter or letters. Rinse and dry thoroughly before applying a liberal coat of solid vegetable shortening to every nook and cranny. Jan 14, 2015 - understanding and identifying unmarked corn stick pans by the cast iron guys.com Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. I used plenty of Crisco, and they washed easily, so I don't think the shortening was a problem. Apr 11, 2019 - Antique cast iron skillet identification is as complex as tracing DNA. $44.99. Cornbread is a Southern specialty, and the traditional way to bake it is in a cast-iron pan. Sometimes, manufacturers marked their pans, but not their lids. https://www.southerncastiron.com/classic-southern-cornbread $24.95 + shipping . "Newer" cast iron (after 1950) is considered inferior to the older, harder "black" cast iron and much of it is amazingly light. Melt the butter in the microwave (or a small pan) saving a tablespoon to use on the mold “Makers marks,” in cast iron history, not bourbon history, are the easiest way to identify antique cast iron. Fanner, Crusoe, Puritan, Columbus and other makers produced cast iron cookware in the shadows of the steel mills of the Monongahela and Ohio River valleys in Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio from the middle of the 19th century through the 20th century. With the name and logo emblazoned on the bottom of the skillet, its origin can be traced and even dated. Collector groups have attempted, inductively, to fit skillets with these characteristics into the Lodge timeline. Finally found some cast iron molds at a G-sale...the ones that are shaped like ears of corn. Only 1 available and it's in 1 person's cart. Note any other numbers or markings, including piece names like "Dutch oven," "chef's skillet" or other descriptions. Search patiently and get as much information about cast iron cookware as you can before dealing with an antique or collectible dealer who might want to buy it. In all probability, only a collector or expert can decode them. Properly seasoned you will have a slick layer of gamma magnetite (aka black iron rust aka gun blue). Warm the corn pone pan. “Makers marks,” in cast iron history, not bourbon history, are the easiest way to identify antique cast iron. Use the toothbrush to scour the salt into the corn dimples, adding salt as necessary for its scouring effect. For example, Wagner, Griswold, Lodge, Wapak and … Whisk to combine. Cast iron with heat rings is vintage because it was made with wood stoves in mind. "NO.8" "10-5/8 INCHES"*. While the majority are not considered collectible, per se, they can represent excellent value as "user" pans, and can usually be obtained at a fraction of the price of comparable fully-marked ones. (This pan can also be used to bake cookies, brownies, and many other delightful foods.) Product differentiation in the various channels was achieved by the use of paper labels affixed to the unmarked iron. A Web Experience brought to you by LEAFtv, The Pan Man with links to reference resources, U.S. Patent Office (requires Quicktime player, How to Identify Antique Cast Iron Skillets, How to Spot Real Silver & Gold in a Thrift Store. Most old pans, even painted and rusted, are reclaimable, and many cooks swear by them as the best cookware available. Cornbread has been a staple in the American diet since colonial days when corn was far more plentiful than wheat, which was typically imported from England. Corn bread skillets were made in two sizes, marked 6CBS or 8CBS and Patent Pending, ¾" high size number, sometimes underlined, typically followed by pattern letter(s) or dots in various positions at 6 o'clock, Size number and pattern letters crudely formed, often askew from 6 o'clock position, Older examples often seen with number at 6:30 and pattern letter at 5:30 or with pattern letter below number, Skillets sizes 3,5,7 with letter S are reduced-size economy price skillets, ¾" high, neatly formed size number, typically followed by pattern letter(s) or dots at 6 o'clock, Pour spouts somewhat reduced in size over previous, indicative of early automated molding process, Pieces so-marked sold before 1954 likely labeled as Red Mountain; after, as Century, Some early automation period lids have tab handles, Small pour spouts (indicative of DISA-Matic automated molding), ¼" high size number above diameter in inches at 6 o'clock, e.g. eBay item number: 264897368229. But when I tried to get the cornbread out of the skillet, it stuck to the bottom! Serious collectors know that many people have old cast iron pots inherited from a relative sitting in the back of the cabinet waiting to be brought out for a yard sale. Navigation A quick check on eBay will confirm that pieces that are over-priced by their owners draw few bids. Also learn the fascinating history of Wagner Manufacturing. Maker’s Marks Of course Maker’s marks are great ways to identify vintage cast iron and to … ² Lodge founder Joseph Lodge was a partner in The Blacklock Foundry, predecessor to Lodge Mfg. Here are some unmarked pieces you're likely to see, and information on how to identify who made them and when. Look for patent data. Other early makers were generally scattered around the Midwest near the natural resources that created cast iron. Much of what's known to collectors as "unmarked" cast iron has quite a bit to do with marketing. 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