Wagner Ware cornbread_ghost marks

[Jeff McGrady]

[size=12]I picked this cornbread pan up for $12.60 in a little antique mall in eastern NC over the weekend, along with an ugly skillet from the same booth (pics of it in another post).
The 'ghost marks' on the third ear were interesting and are why I wanted to post pics of it...what is the story behind this?[/size]

[Valerie Johnson]

Looks more like ink bleed thru from a paper label than ghost marks to me...just my opinion.

[Jeff McGrady]

[size=12]Thanks for responding, Valerie!

I hadn't considered such a thing, but in this instance I don't believe so, as it is 'recessed' into the pan....as I rub across it I can clearly feel the outline of each letter with my finger.

In collecting pressed-glass items over the years I have seen similar 'ghost marks' from original manufacturers/molds that were later purchased and reused by other companies, though I am sure that should not be the case with cast ware....
Well, at least I would not imagine that being the case if done using the usual sand-molding technique[/size]

[Cheryl Watson]

This cornstick pan is a very NEW Wagner, could be as late as the 1980's.

Usually true ghost marks are a result of a pattern being altered by the manufacturer... by buttering over the 'old' markings and Adding the new markings in a different position or font or style, etc.

Existing patterns were kept in use whenever possible, as costs for pattern replacement were high.

Once cleaned and restored, it should become 'clearer' ... maybe. :)

[Jeff McGrady]

This cornstick pan is a very NEW Wagner, could be as late as the 1980's.

Usually true ghost marks are a result of a pattern being altered by the manufacturer... by buttering over the 'old' markings and Adding the new markings in a different position or font or style, etc.

Existing patterns were kept in use whenever possible, as costs for pattern replacement were high.

Once cleaned and restored, it should become 'clearer' ... maybe. :)

Thanks, Cheryl !

So, would it be likely that this was an earlier Wagner item that was later 'reworked' by General Housewares Corp?

Or something else, entirely?

[Cheryl Watson]

Most probably a Cornstick pan, from...eh.. 1970's, with the markings shifted upward.  Hard to say until fully restored with all clues visible.

Keep in mind that the New Wagner from 1960's forward are not considered "collectible" by many collectors, so they have not had a lot of attention paid to them.  I have begun to start to pay more attention, so that 'down' the road, others will have a better idea of what was produced under the Wagner name from 1960's thru the end.

I only have a few 'oddball' (to me) Newer Wagner pieces.  For the most part, I prefer the older iron across all brands.  :)

[C. Perry Rapier]

This cornstick pan is a very NEW Wagner, could be as late as the 1980's.

Usually true ghost marks are a result of a pattern being altered by the manufacturer... by buttering over the 'old' markings and Adding the new markings in a different position or font or style, etc.

Existing patterns were kept in use whenever possible, as costs for pattern replacement were high.

Once cleaned and restored, it should become 'clearer' ... maybe. :)

Man oh man. I wish I'd have said that.

You go girl.  ;) :)

[Jeff McGrady]

Most probably a Cornstick pan, from...eh.. 1970's, with the markings shifted upward.  Hard to say until fully restored with all clues visible.

Keep in mind that the New Wagner from 1960's forward are not considered "collectible" by many collectors, so they have not had a lot of attention paid to them.  I have begun to start to pay more attention, so that 'down' the road, others will have a better idea of what was produced under the Wagner name from 1960's thru the end.

I only have a few 'oddball' (to me) Newer Wagner pieces.  For the most part, I prefer the older iron across all brands.  :)

[size=12]Thanks![/size]