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Cast Iron Brand

tamu2009
tamu2009 Posts: 387
in EggHead Forum
How can you tell the brand of your cast iron? Obviously, if the brand it stamped on it, it's easy, but if it's not how can you tell.

I got 2 pans recently from an estate sale for $5 and there is no markings on them, just something to the effect of No 2 5 1/2 (numbers are off, just trying to recall from memory).
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LBGE 2013 - MiniMax 2015 - Seemingly every accessory the fine folks at CGS sell - Fightin' Texas Aggie till I die - Gig 'Em - Located in the bright lights of Dallas
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Comments

  • Carolina Q
    Carolina Q Posts: 14,831
    edited July 2013
    I'm not really up on my antique CI, but I believe a great deal of it was made by either Griswold or Wagner. In addition to their own branded products, they made unbranded pieces for others. At some point, they merged and it got even more confusing. :)

    You might try sending an email with a couple of pics to the panman, David Smith. I have done that a few times and he is usually good about replying.

    http://www.panman.com/

    Hope this helps.

    I hate it when I go to the kitchen for food and all I find are ingredients!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

    Michael 
    Central Connecticut 

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  • MrCookingNurse
    MrCookingNurse Posts: 4,665
    @solson005
    @shtgunal
    @eggcelsior

    Are all cast iron guys I think

    @henapple invented it


    _______________________________________________

    XLBGE 
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  • henapple
    henapple Posts: 16,025
    No, merely perfected cooking on it. =))
    Green egg, dead animal and alcohol. The "Boro".. TN 
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  • Eggcelsior
    Eggcelsior Posts: 14,414
    Look at the handle neck by the pan, check for markings or raised edges on the bottom. See if the are machined(smooth cooking surface) vs. regular(like Lodge) There is a chance that build-up has filled in the markings on the bottom so reseasoning could help uncover it. Look for "Sidney", "Erie", "Griswold", or Wagner". If it is at least 60 years old, it will likely be either Griswold or Wagner. Erie, PA and Sidney, OH were the foundries locations, respectively. If it is either of those, you've got some of the best cast iron ever made. Much better than anything you can get new today. I have some Wagner skillets and Griswold griddles that are all at least 80 years old, based on the markings. I'd be happy to send you pictures of the bottoms and handle markings.
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  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,109
    @tamu2009 - why don't you post pictures of the bottom? 
    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
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  • The Naked Whiz
    The Naked Whiz Posts: 7,777
    I came into possession of my grandfather's Griswold skillet and self basting lid.  The wife (yes, the wife who....) asked me to put that nasty thing away, out of sight.  It's in perfect condition and beautiful.  Sigh.  Oh well, I can always sneak it out to look at it.
    The Naked Whiz
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  • tamu2009
    tamu2009 Posts: 387
    I'll look when I get home. I don't recall much being on the bottoms. If I see something I'll post some pics.

    Thanks guys
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    LBGE 2013 - MiniMax 2015 - Seemingly every accessory the fine folks at CGS sell - Fightin' Texas Aggie till I die - Gig 'Em - Located in the bright lights of Dallas
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  • shtgunal3
    shtgunal3 Posts: 6,134
    If it has no markings at all, I can't help much. Post a pic of the top and the bottom.

    ___________________________________

     

     LBGE,SBGE, and a Mini makes three......Sweet home Alabama........ Stay thirsty my friends .

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  • tamu2009
    tamu2009 Posts: 387
    This is what I have. I don't guess it's anything special. I was just curious.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    LBGE 2013 - MiniMax 2015 - Seemingly every accessory the fine folks at CGS sell - Fightin' Texas Aggie till I die - Gig 'Em - Located in the bright lights of Dallas
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  • shtgunal3
    shtgunal3 Posts: 6,134
    That first one is a damn fine skillet. Don't know much about the other 2. Off brands I think, but still good to use.

    ___________________________________

     

     LBGE,SBGE, and a Mini makes three......Sweet home Alabama........ Stay thirsty my friends .

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  • yzzi
    yzzi Posts: 1,843
    I agree with shtgunal. First one is a nice one. The others are obviously old and made in the USA, so most likely made by one of the big 3 (griswold, Wagner, or old lodge) but who knows. I'd use it unless it said made in China ;-)
    Dunedin, FL
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  • yzzi
    yzzi Posts: 1,843
    The Naked Whiz said:

    I came into possession of my grandfather's Griswold skillet and self basting lid.  The wife (yes, the wife who....) asked me to put that nasty thing away, out of sight.  It's in perfect condition and beautiful.  Sigh.  Oh well, I can always sneak it out to look at it.

    I'll be happy to put that to good use :-D
    Dunedin, FL
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