Two CI Mysteries

[BLever]

The first one is a large skillet that I obtained when the Elks Lodge I belonged to was selling their property. Me and one of my good friends split the cooking duties and there were two of the really big CI skillets, so we asked the Trustees and they said we could have them. The skillet is 19½" wide and 23½" wide at the handles. I can see no markings one it, top or bottom. Hoping that the size of this monster will provide someone with a clue as to it's origin.

The second one is a small skillet that I found going through the last of my mom's stuff before we sell her house.

I've cooked with the big one several times. One of S-i-Ls has one of those Char Broil Big Easys and it works great a burner, providing a very stable surface. I used to do all sorts of breakfasts, smash burgers, etc. until that same S-i-L bought a Blackstone . . . Now it limited to my version of Paella.

Not sure what to do with the little one. I don't recall seeing my mom ever use it. It would be great for a nice sunny side egg, but I always have 2 of them. I'll figure something out.

But any hints as to the origins of either one these would be humbly appreciated.

 

[Michael Chen]

This is the closest I’ve seen to the small one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3948412811...9KC4pscMdiQi_I1EbeeND2qbhGUxFL2RoCBUwQAvD_BwE

I have a distant cousin who used to collect vintage cast iron and might know a thing or two, but I haven’t seen him in years. I should reconnect!

 

[B.A. Poole]

The large skillet is likely a Lodge and the smaller one is a late model Wagner, from their final days before closure. The bottoms and handles tell the most on skillets. Wagner incorporated a late model Griswold handle on these pans. Lodge cast their name in the top the handles at some point. Usually their pieces have Lodge on the bottom also. I have two of the large model skillet. Great for rolls and pizzas. Vintage cast iron cookware is worth what a buyer will pay. One caution....collecting cast iron can become addicting.

 

[DanHoo]

The only Wagner I have is this one. It's about 8 inches across the top.

I don't know the history.

 

[DanHoo]

This is the closest I’ve seen to the small one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3948412811...9KC4pscMdiQi_I1EbeeND2qbhGUxFL2RoCBUwQAvD_BwE

I have a distant cousin who used to collect vintage cast iron and might know a thing or two, but I haven’t seen him in years. I should reconnect!

Found this one.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/944418901/unmarked-wagner-no-8-skillet-10-12-inch

 

[BFletcher]

I've been experimenting with ChatGPT but in this instance it is no smarter than you Guys, lol.

 

[BFletcher]

 

[Mark Foreman]

It looks a lot like a Lodge “hotel” 20 inch most likely from the 1960s. These can be rare and can sell above $500.

 

[BLever]

Thank you for all the tips ! ! !

@Michael Chen, That looks pretty much like mine except for the "B" on the underside where mine has a simple vertical line (or a letter "I" maybe).

@BFletcher, I will dig it back out next time I'm up at my daughter's house. I thought that I'd taken a picture of the underside, but apparently not. I did not see any markings, but will double-check.

@Mark Foreman, I think that you're on to something. That looks a lot like my skillet. Not interested in selling but to good to know it may have some value.