The purchasers of the company in 1952 continued the brand, and Wagner products are still manufactured today. The original items are prized by collectors. Is Wagner cast iron worth anything? The value of antique cast iron skillets can start at similar to new prices, but a super rare Wagner or Griswold can fetch up to $1,500 apiece. A mint condition, super rare "spider skillet" made in the 1890s by Griswold is worth up to $8,000.
Are cast iron skillets bad for You?
Using a cast iron skillet is a great way to add extra iron to your diet. This is great news for those of you that want to increase your dietary iron intake especially for those who are at risk of iron deficiency; young children, premenopausal women, pregnant women, vegans and vegetarians.
What is so great about a cast iron skillet?
The material in cast iron skillets is highly resistant to damage. Nonetheless, avoid cooking acidic food on these appliances. The acid can erode the metal and leave some metal particles on your food. Cast Iron Skillets Have High Versatility. As seen earlier, cast iron skillets offer a wide range of uses. They can bake, fry, broil, roast, sear, and perform other types of cooking.
What's the best cast iron pan?
Best Enameled Cast Iron Skillet and Pan: Expert top 10 choices
- Crock Pot Artisan 10 Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet ( Best Round Enameled Cast Iron Skillet)
- Ayesha Curry Enameled Cast Iron Skillet ( Best Versatile Enameled Cast Iron Skillet)
- Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Pan ( Best Overall Enameled Cast Iron Pan)
Is a cast iron pan worth it?
If you can’t afford to replace multiple pans, you might as well opt for cast iron. These skillets are more affordable than your other options because not much goes into making them. The manufacturers pour molten iron into a mold in the shape of a pan. You can replace your entire cooking arsenal with cast iron and save tons of money.
What is the Wagner logo?
What is Wagner cast iron?
When did Wagner Cast Iron sell to Randall?
What was the new product that the company introduced during the Great Depression?
How to clean a rusty pan?
Is Wagner cast iron better than cast iron?
Is Wagner cast iron good?
See 2 more
When did Wagner stop making cast iron skillets?
Both companies were resold to Textron in 1959. Finally, in 1969, General Housewares Corporation bought both Wagner and Griswold and officially stopped production in 1994.
Is Wagner cast iron worth anything?
The value of antique cast iron skillets can start at similar to new prices, but a super rare Wagner or Griswold can fetch up to $1,500 apiece. A mint condition, super rare "spider skillet" made in the 1890s by Griswold is worth up to $8,000.
When did they stop making Wagner Ware?
Textron was sold to General Housewares Corporation in 1969. In 1994 production of Wagner Ware ended.
How do you date a Wagner cast iron skillet?
How to Date Wagner Cast Iron CookwareTurn over your cookware so the bottom is facing up. Make note of all markings on the bottom of the pan and their location. ... Examine the construction of the pan. ... Consult a reputable guidebook. ... Post pictures of your skillet on the forum for Wagner and Griswold collectors.
What does the number 8 mean on cast iron?
Why the number "8"? - Our cookware uses traditional American cast iron sizing metrics dating back to the 1800's. The numbers correlate to the size of eyes on antique wood stoves as cast iron cookware and wood stoves often went hand in hand. The number 8 is traditionally a top diameter 10.5" skillet.
How can you tell how old a cast iron skillet is?
6:5328:47Identifying Old Cast Iron Pans - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlso the size number on the bottom of this pan. Is a big round number three and if you recognize theMoreAlso the size number on the bottom of this pan. Is a big round number three and if you recognize the style of the script.
Is Griswold a good cast iron skillet?
Griswold is one of the best vintage brands if you want to start collecting vintage cast iron. Griswold is a reputation for being some of the finest quality cast iron cookware on the market. And is popular with both enthusiasts and home cooks. Some collectors like to find rare and collectible Griswold pieces.
When did Griswold go out of business?
Griswold Manufacturing (/ˈɡrɪzwɔːld, -wəld/) was an American manufacturer of cast iron kitchen products founded in Erie, Pennsylvania, in business from 1865 through 1957.
How do you clean rusty cast iron pans?
THE SOLUTION:Soak each piece of rusty cast iron in a solution of one part vinegar and one part water.Using the brush, test each piece after 30 minutes to an hour to see if the rust is coming off. ... Once you have scrubbed the skillet clean of rust, rinse it thoroughly with water.Dry skillet completely, and reseason.
What is the oldest cast iron brand?
Lodge Cast IronLodge Cast Iron has been making cast-iron cookware at its Tennessee foundry since 1896, making it the country's oldest surviving cast-iron manufacturer.
Why are old cast iron pans better?
However, according to many people who love cast iron, vintage pans are far superior to modern ones (vintage, in this case, being defined as any pan made pre-1950). Many cast-iron aficionados swear that older is definitely better—better as in more durable, conducts heat more evenly, and withstands arduous conditions.
What does SK mean on a cast iron skillet?
The bottom of the pan will often have other details too. It may be marked SK for the skillet, G for griddle, or DO for Dutch oven. These letters are common on vintage Lodge cast iron pieces. Other brands (like Wagner) will sometimes use letters instead, like H.
What year was Wagner Ware?
Wagner in 1881 for The Wagner Mfg. Co., Sidney, Ohio, USA, America's first and oldest premium cookware manufacturer.
Where was Wagner Ware cast iron made?
Sidney, OhioAmong the first American cast iron cookware companies, Wagner was established its factory in Sidney, Ohio. Along with rival Griswold (which was later acquired by the same company that bought out Wagner), Wagner ware became so popular that it was also sold in Europe.
What year did Wagner buy Griswold?
1957In March 1957, McGraw-Edison of Chicago, Illinois, acquired Griswold Manufacturing. Later that year the Griswold brand and housewares division were sold to the Wagner Manufacturing Company of Sidney, Ohio.
What is a cast iron spider skillet?
2477. A spider (also called a spider skillet, spider pan, or iron spider) was an iron vessel with three splayed legs and a long handle used for hearth cooking. The footed skillet or frying pan would be set over a small pile of coals pulled out onto the hearth from the fire.
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How Old Is My Wagner Ware Cast Iron - The Kitchen Professor
What about the “Wagner’s 1891 Original”? These were manufactured from 1991 to about 1999. They were made to commemorate the anniversary of the Wagner Cast Iron Brand. Since they were made in the 1990s, none of these pieces have much resemblance to the vintage cookware. They have rough interiors and tend to be heavier. Lastly, none of the vintage pieces have these kind
Antique Cast Iron Skillet Markings, Identification, Value Guide
Manufactured sometime from the 1750’s to the 1880’s, this antique gate marked cast iron griddle is in reasonable condition, considering it is well over 100 years old.
What is the best Wagner skillet?
The company was a giant back in the day for putting quality in front of quantity. The No. 8 double skillet is one of the best Wagner products because it’s very durable and deep enough for cooking all kinds of different recipes.
Is Wagner still in use?
Both Wagner and Griswold operated at a time where quality was always more important than quantity, which is why many of their products are still in use and in demand all over the US. Ironically, they both became defunct at around the same time in the 1950s.
Why is Wagner cast iron collectible?
Wagner cast iron is highly collectible. Like most antique cast iron, Wagner manufactured high-quality cookware for their entire range of cast iron products.
What is Wagner Ware known for?
Signature products. Wagner is best known for the Sidney -o- range of skillets and Dutch Ovens. Reason for closure. The reason for the closure of the foundry came from two. fronts.
What kind of pans does Wagner make?
You can even collect Wagner cast iron cornbread pans that are in the shape of corn cobs. Wagner Manufacturing also produced aluminum cookware. Which must have seemed revolutionary for the time.
How old is Wagner cast iron?
This could be due to the fact, much of the cast iron is over 100 years old and still very usable today. These antique pans are sought-after by enthusiasts and those preferring vintage cast iron to newer pans.
Where are Sidney skillets made?
Not much is known about vintage Sidney skillets. However, many cast iron enthusiasts believe they were made in the Sidney Hollowware foundry after the company was sold to Wagner Manufacturing.
What was Wagner Manufacturing Company's focus?
Quality was a focus from the very start for Wagner Manufacturing Company. They even advertised to consumers this selling point. Old advertisements read;
What is Wagner's product line?
Product line. Wagner was one of the largest American manufacturers of cast iron products in the 20th century. Their product line included: skillets, kettles, bean pots, Dutch Ovens, roasters, fruit presse s, scoops, boilers, griddles, waffle irons, muffin pans and cornbread pans. The company also had a range of aluminum cookware.
How Old Is My Wagner Cast Iron Skillet?
Many cast iron collectors believe that the production of real Wagner cookware stopped in 1959. This was the year when it was sold to a company that already owned Wagner’s number one competitor, Griswold.
Why are Wagner pans not collectible?
It is for this reason that cast iron pans made after this period are not being considered as collectibles.
What year did Wagner's 1891 pans come out?
In 1991 , General Housewares released the “Wagner’s 1891” line of cast iron pans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Wagner Manufacturing Company. The skillet carries the “1891 Original” designation at its bottom. Nowadays, it is common to see them being sold for only $5 to $10 in antique shops.
How to tell if a Wagner pan is old?
Very old Wagner pans have a raised ring around their bottoms to keep the pan from direct contact with the top of a wood stove that was used then. Take note also of other things such as the handles and how they are connected to the body.
What is Wagner's cast iron?
The Wagner Manufacturing Company is known for quality in its wide range of cookware. Today, its cast iron pieces are highly valued by collectors and hobbyists. Wagner’s cast iron frying pans, Dutch ovens, and bakeware still command premium prices because of their beauty and durability.
What was the name of the line that Wagner introduced to stop the Great Depression?
To stop its falling sales, Wagner introduced a new line called Magnalite. Although it became immensely popular, it was not enough to offset the big blow that the recession dealt Wagner.
When did General Housewares buy Textron?
Beginning of the End. In 1969 , General Housewares Corporation bought Textron, and along with the purchase came the Wagner and Griswold brands. The company continued the operations of the two brands as two separate divisions through the 70s, 80s, and part of the 90s.
How much is a Wagner Ware skillet worth?
While most Wagner Ware skillets will be worth anywhere from $20 to $50 for an unrestored skillet, and $40 to even $100 for a fully restored piece, more sought after Wagner Ware collectables, like dutch ovens and skillets with matching lids can be worth $200 or even $300.
How to date Wagner Ware?
The best way to date Wagner Ware is by carefully examining the Wagner Ware logo on the bottom of your cast iron. The “Wagner,” “Wagner Ware” and “Sidney O” logos appeared and disappeared, were redesigned and repositioned on the bottom of the pan every few years beginning with the company’s founding in 1891.
How to clean Wagner Ware cast iron pan?
The best way to clean Wagner Ware cast iron is immediately after use with hot water and some paper towels. Rin se any remaining food debris from the pan with hot water, and then wipe your pan clean with the paper towel.
How to restore Wagner Ware cast iron?
Restoring Wagner Ware cast iron - or any cast iron for that matter - is easier than you think, and is simply a matter of removing crusted on food and rust with iron wool or a similarly tough abrasive brush before re-seasoning with a neutral oil.
What is Wagner Ware's line of cast iron?
Wagner Ware’s line of superior cast iron included dutch ovens, muffin pans, waff le irons and even griddles. But in addition to these super smooth, high quality products, the one item that is perhaps the most famous, ubiquitous, and cherished by collectors and cast iron enthusiasts alike, is the Wagner Ware cast iron skillet.
When did Wagner start producing nickel plated kitchenware?
1892 - The company begins producing nickel-plated ware, in addition to the cast-iron kitchenware already in production. 1894 - The Wagner Manufacturing Company adds aluminum cookware to their product inventory, becoming one of the first kitchenware companies in history to do so.
Where is Wagner made?
The workers at the Wagner Manufacturing Company factory in Sidney, Ohio paid specific attention to each piece, casting and then machine smoothing each item. You can easily see the difference this kind of skill makes when juxtaposing a vintage cast iron skillet next to one of its modern colleagues.
What is Wagner's product?
Wagner grew into a major manufacturer of cast iron and aluminum products, selling in the US and Europe. In addition to cookware it manufactured furnace grates, feed troughs, rubbish burners, kettles, and chemists' mortars. The company won many awards, and at one point had a 60% market share in cookware. Brand names included Wagner Ware, National, Long Life, Wardway and Ward's Cast Iron.
When did Wagner cookware start?
Wagner was active between 1891 and 1952, and at one time dominated the cookware market, selling in Europe and the US. The purchasers of the company in 1952 continued the brand, and Wagner products are still manufactured today. The original items are prized by collectors.
Who owns Wagner and Griswold?
In 1957 Randall's Wagner division acquired Griswold Manufacturing from McGraw-Edison . In 1959 Randall was itself acquired by Textron . Textron sold the Wagner and Griswold lines to General Housewares Corporation (GHC) in 1969. In 1996 GHC sold rights to the Wagner and Griswold lines to Slyman Group. After being allowed to fall into receivership, the Wagner factory and Wagner and Griswold trademarks were bought by the American Culinary Corporation of Willoughby, Ohio. As of 2014 American Culinary continued to market products branded Wagner, Wagnerware, Magnalite and Griswold. The Wagner and Griswold brands are highly valued by collectors.
When was Magnalite made?
The "Magnalite" line of cast aluminum products was introduced in the early 1930s, made from a patented aluminum alloy. The company employed the industrial designer John Gordon Rideout to overhaul the design of Wagner's products in an effort to counter falling sales during the Great Depression.
Where is Wagner made?
The Wagner Manufacturing Company was a family-owned manufacturer of cast iron and aluminum products based in Sidney, Ohio, US. It made products for domestic use such as frying pans, casseroles, kettles and baking trays, and also made metal products other than cookware.
Who invented the magnalite teakettle?
In 1933 Rideout and his partner Harold Van Doren designed a Magnalite teakettle with varying thickness to maximize heat conductivity, and in 1934 they designed an Magnalite aluminum covered casserole for Wagner. Starting in 1946 the heirs of the founding Wagner brothers divested their holdings in the company. ...
When was Sidney Hollow Ware sold?
In 1903 Sidney Hollow Ware was sold back to Smith. By 1913 Wagner was distributing its products globally. The company said in its early advertisements: We do not strive to manufacture hollow ware as cheaply as possible, but as good as it can be made.
Should I Buy A Rusty Wagner Pan?
I’m not sure if rust is negative or a positive when looking for vintage ironware. Sure, you’d like to find a Wagner skillet in excellent condition. But often, the best bargains can be found when the skillets are a little worse for wear.
Does Sulfur Pitting Affect Collectability?
Sulfer pitting on the base of the skillet will not affect the usability. I think it adds a character and highlights the fact you’re cooking with vintage cast iron.
Does A Wobble Or Movement In A Wagner Skillet Matter?
When inspecting a Wagner skillet, it’s a good idea to check for movement. Lay the pan down on a flat surface. And with your fingers, press down along the rim of the pan.
What is a raised ring on a pan?
Very old pans have a raised ring around the bottom. This kept the cookware from direct contact with the top of a wood stove. Study how the handle is connected to the cookware. Note if there is a sharp ridge or a hollowed-out section where handles connect to the bodies of skillets.
How to tell if a pan is old?
This kept the cookware from direct contact with the top of a wood stove. Study how the handle is connected to the cookware. Note if there is a sharp ridge or a hollowed-out section where handles connect to the bodies of skillets. All these things provide clues to the age of your cookware.
Where is Wagner cookware made?
The Wagner Manufacturing company began making cookware in 1891 in Sidney, Ohio. Today, collectors prize Wagner cast iron frying pans, Dutch ovens and bakeware for both its beauty and durability. You can find Wagner cookware at garage and estate sales, thrift stores, antique stores and from online dealers. Dating Wagner cast iron can be tricky, but ...
Why are good photographs important?
Good photographs will aid you in consulting experts about your cookware.
Is Wagner pan made in the USA?
At various times the Wagner Manufacturing Company used curved and straight logos, with or without the "Sidney, O" designation underneath. Some older pans have no logo at all. Pans may or may not say Made in the USA. Also look for a size designation, usually a number, such as 8.
What is the Wagner logo?
The stylized logo was a combination of large-sized “W,” “SIDNEY,” and “O.” The “W” stood for Wagner Ware and the “O” for Ohio.
What is Wagner cast iron?
Wagner cast iron cookware was one of the finest in its days. They were ultra-light and of high quality, characteristics that most modern cast ir on cookware doesn’t have . As such, they are favorites of antique collectors.
When did Wagner Cast Iron sell to Randall?
However, after 1959 , Wagner Cast Iron had been sold to Randall. Randall moved the foundry to Cincinnati; as such, the words “SIDNEY -O-” were removed from the pie logo. Many people see 1959 as the year high-quality Wagner products were no longer in production. General Housewares Corporations bought Wagner from Randall, and this affected the markings on the skillets.
What was the new product that the company introduced during the Great Depression?
The company could no longer cope and was sold to a car manufacturing company, Randall Company, in 1952.
How to clean a rusty pan?
If it is rusty, make a mixture of salt and lime, apply some on steel wool and use it to scrub the affected area vigorously . If you clean it well, the pan will look new as the day it was made. After cleaning, apply some oil to every side of the pan’s interior and heat it . You’ll notice how non-stick it is when cooking.
Is Wagner cast iron better than cast iron?
Equally important is that Wagner cast iron is more elegant in look and better than most modern cast iron cookware, which is rough. The makers of the Wagner cast iron paid attention to every detail, as both the interior and exterior of the cookware are smooth.
Is Wagner cast iron good?
Wagner cast iron is antique cookware that is regarded as one of the best in the market. Despite its age, it still works fine. It is bought by people who prefer vintage cast iron cookware or collectible enthusiasts. However, it can be challenging to identify Wagner cast iron. Below is the cookware’s history and how to identify it.