Difference between toy skillet and ashtray

[Valerie Johnson]

Is there a standard for identifying the difference between a toy skillet and an ashtray skillet, The ashtrays mostly have a channel for the cigarette to lay in but are there some ashtrays that don't or if they don't does that make them a toy.

I picked up a small hammered skillet(4") that does not have the typical channels for the cigarette to lay in and the finish is better than most of the ashtrays I have seen so I am guessing it is a toy, It is in the electro tank now because it was covered in rust, so much that I almost passed on it but then went back and after closer examination noticed the hammered finish and decided it was worth the $2.00 asking price.
It basically looks like a small skillet.
I know...pics to follow but it was really rusted and looked like a blob of rust.

It cleaned up rather quickly, Here are some pics, It is a hammered finish and has Made in USA on the bottom near the handle

[Janis Berzins]

Some are also referred to as spoon rests. In my opinion that one looks like a toy.

[Greg Stahl]

I'd call that a toy skillet. The problem lies with what was the intention of the foundry, as these can be used for so many things that it is very versatile.

[Cheryl Watson]

What markings are on the bottom??

Pic of the bottom is too dark, I cannot see any...... oh heck, never mind... I re-read your first post :D :D

This would be a baby hammered Lodge skillet.

The 4" is the newest and largest miniature produced overtime...
Likely 1965 forward.... (based on USA marking)


These were produced as Toy and / or Miniature promotional pieces....

I have a stack of 10 of them, from 3" up to 4"....

The markings over time varied greatly. (combinations of letters, numbers, and 'dots' )