ERIE #7 Help

[rtb1980]

Hello,

I have an Erie #7 Iron Skillet.

This one is unique in that the middle bottom had some major pitting or somthing.  It is very rough and almost looks like it was originally like that, like the way it was molded or something?  I'm not too sure but it has been in my family for many, many years.

The only markings are
ERIE
7D
The "D" is about half the size of the 7

Thanks for all and any help you can offer,
Richard

[rtb1980]

Another picture.

[rtb1980]

And one of the top:)

[Steve_Stephens]

This is a standard series 2 or 3 ERIE skillet made in the early 1890's.  The pitting in the middle of the bottom is somewhat common on pans and was probably caused by use on a gas or coal range where there was a high sulfer content in the fuel.  It's not factory cast like that but took years to corrode away.

Steve

[rtb1980]

Thanks for the reply!
I thought this was an older one, antique:)..

Do you know what the value for this might be?

I will soon post more pics of these and a few more Cast Iron pieces on my website here:  http://dnlet.com/antiques.htm  

Thanks again,
R

[Steve_Stephens]

With the pitting around $10 on a good day.  Without, around $50+  Remember that condition is everything most of the time.

Steve

[rtb1980]

OK,

Thanks alot for the help Steve.  I was hopeing that with the pitting it would be worth more since it shows so much age and use...  I guess I'm wrong.. LOL

Thanks again,
Rich

[fatfutures]

In some collectibles sign of age and use are a great thing! Not in cast iron. Well, that isn't entirely true. Good patina and a smooth surface are GREAT. But, pitting isn't.

On the upside, that #7 is a GREAT user! So smooth and lightweight!

[Steve_Stephens]

Pitting (as well as warps, cracks and other defects) affects the value in a negative way big time unless the pitting is very minor or the piece is very, very rare and desireable.  Or, sometimes, on very early pieces that have seen so much more of life then we that you take it the way it comes.  But those ERIEs are relatively common so most collectors strive for the best example they can find.

Steve