Wagner Ware No. 5 Drip Drop Roaster

[Eric Hiatt]

I have this roaster but am unable to find any information at all about this piece. I am mostly interested in the history of the piece (such as how old it is), but am also curios about the value. Here are some pictures I took of it from my phone:

[Will Person]

Seeing it has pattern numbers on the item,  it is post 1924.  I bet the item is 1924-1930's.   Later items had rings on the top and no name or size.   Best way to find value is check ebay.  It is setting prices today.

[Eric Hiatt]

That is part of the reason that I have become so curious about this piece. I cannot find even 1 item that is the same as this on eBay. Does that mean it is more rare? Or that it is so common no one is bothering to post anything about it?

[Will Person]

It is less common.  Rare??  If you find a #5 oval in iron.  That will be close to its value.

[Will Person]

I just looked on ebay and found one identical to yours.  Sold for 222 with a cast iron trivet.  The trivet is worth about $75-100 by itself.  So your oval is worth about $125-150    Other variations of that oval are selling in that range.

Will 8-)

[Randy Eckstein]

Hi Eric, they turn up from time to time and I was surprised at the pricing in completed listings on ebay, the ones I saw sell were north of $200 as mine was less than half that.  They are a good user size and I'd think a good buy at $150 or less.

[Eric Hiatt]

Hi Eric, they turn up from time to time and I was surprised at the pricing in completed listings on ebay, the ones I saw sell were north of $200 as mine was less than half that.  They are a good user size and I'd think a good buy at $150 or less.

Considering that I was given the piece, I almost feel bad that I didn't pay anything for it. Would cleaning and seaaoning the roaster be a good idea? I wouldn't want to mess it up...

[Cheryl Watson]

If you are planning on using it, cleaning and seasoning it should occur. (you just don't know where it has been in it's long life) Check over on the Cleaning and Restoration board , and give us a shout there for assistance.

If selling, better to let it up to the buyer who may be more experienced at restoration.   

[Randy Eckstein]

Bonus pick up Eric!! Agree mostly with Cheryl, except that even if I were selling it, and yours did look to be in good shape, it will fetch more in cleaned condition.  Its a good size for a roast, large chicken, turkey breast, pork butt, etc. Brown it on the stovetop and then stick it all in the oven.