Author Topic: IDing some old cast pieces....  (Read 3319 times)

Offline Vance McAlister

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IDing some old cast pieces....
« on: August 05, 2005, 01:07:02 AM »
Hi everyone, Vance Moore in Meridian, Mississippi.  I just joined yesterday and this is my first post, so forgive me if I am asking stupid questions or just uninformed of how things in the society work.  I got interested in cast iron about 3 months ago.  One of my nieces is getting married and I made her spatulas, spoons, ladels etc... for her kitchen (I am a blacksmith).  By sheer chance I ran across a Griswold pan and bought it for her.  I cleaned it up and just put it in with all the other wedding gift stuff.  Now I think I am addicted.  Question.  Can anyone help me identify a piece that is not Griswold or Wagner?  It is a standard size pan, on the back is imprinted 9 SK Made in USA D.  From all appearences it is a quality piece, heavy walled and has an old patina.  Anyone?  Thanks, Vance Moore southpilo2@aol.com    

Steve_Stephens

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Re: IDing some old cast pieces....
« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2005, 02:36:22 AM »
Hi Vance and welcome to our world of old iron.  You seem to have gotten a fast addiction.  I'll happily answer your stupid question.  Just kidding.  We were all new at one time so there aren't any stupid questions.  One of the great things about this site is the varied answers you will get from all its members.

Your pan in question is a Lodge skillet from c.1980-90.  The "SK" is the giveaway and stands for "skillet".  Lodge has been marking their pans for many years with an abbreviation of the type of pan; FB for French Bread, CB for Corn Bread and so on.

Let's see; Mississississipppppiii is very close to Chattannooooggggaa which is where our convention is starting on Sept. 29.  On the following Monday we will be touring the Lodge foundry.  I hope you might consider joining WAGS and attending the convention.  Hey, one sick day (Monday) should be doable.  If you are interested, and why not; it's a great hobby and I've been at it for over 30 years.  Join today what you shouldn't put off until tomorrow.

But first get yourself a copy of The Book of Griswold and Wagner (be sure it's the new 4th edition).  These should be available at the convention also.

Oh, by the way; any piece of iron with very few exceptions that is marked "Made in USA" is a relatively new piece (post c.1960) and usually will have little collector value.  Same is true for pieces marked in "inches".  Have fun and don't collect all that you see right away.  Get the book, read up some, and then go at it with a little knowledge.  Our convention would give you the chance to see TONS of iron for sale and on display as members favoriet pieces; rare and common and more.  Keep those stupid questions coming and we'll get you to pro stage in no time.  There is a LOT to learn about iron cookware and you will NEVER stop finding new pieces and information.  Being a blacksmith I'm sure you can appreciate the old iron.  Stick with the pre-1960 pieces for the best in iron cookware.

Steve

Offline Greg Stahl

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Re: IDing some old cast pieces....
« Reply #2 on: August 05, 2005, 07:22:32 AM »
Hey Vance!

Steve's correct on both accounts:  Lodge and membership

Our convention is very close to you and I believe CB Williams (a WAGS member) lives in your town as well!!  You guys should hook up, as he has some nice cast iron you could look at.

Hope you consider membership and come to the convention as well.
"NO MORE MISTER NICE GUY!!" Alice Cooper.

Offline Vance McAlister

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Re: IDing some old cast pieces....
« Reply #3 on: August 05, 2005, 07:47:18 AM »
Steve & Gregg,
Thanks for the quick reply.  I did kind of assume the piece was not very old (just exactly for what y'all said about the Made in USA) but, I did think it was older than the the 1980's.  Well I can still cook with it, it does seem to cook fine.  That eliminates one of my millions of questions, I'll be back with more soon.  Thanks to all.  Vance  

Offline C. Perry Rapier

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Re: IDing some old cast pieces....
« Reply #4 on: August 05, 2005, 09:14:11 AM »
Hello Vance from Mi double s i double s i double p i. Welcome to the forum. I agree with you. People don't need a LOT of skillets, 200 or so is enough for anybody, most of the time, for some of the people, but not all the people, all the time. Abe Lincoln said that when he first started collecting cast iron when he was a boy living in his home state of KENTUCKY. Later, as President he would change this around to something about fooling the people into thinking they didn't need this many skillets. You see cast iron, and the collecting of it, has historical roots. Of course, now bear in mind, that number don't include skillet lids, griddles both round and rectangular, dutch ovens, dutch oven trivets, waffle irons, and stuff like that.

Anyway, it is good have you on our forum. You'll meet a lot of nice people on here who are always willing to answer questions and give their opinions. We're proud of it and our family here and hope you'll come back and see us.

Offline C. B. Williams

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Re: IDing some old cast pieces....
« Reply #5 on: August 05, 2005, 10:41:47 AM »
Hello Vance: A big welcome to the second forum user from Meridian!!! Call me sometime and we will talk about iron. I would be glad to show you my collection. C. B. Williams 601-482-0092
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Offline Greg Stahl

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Re: IDing some old cast pieces....
« Reply #6 on: August 05, 2005, 12:13:40 PM »
CB, maybe you can talk into joining WAGS soon so that he could come to the Convention as well?
"NO MORE MISTER NICE GUY!!" Alice Cooper.

Steve_Stephens

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Re: IDing some old cast pieces....
« Reply #7 on: August 05, 2005, 01:45:46 PM »
Quote
CB, maybe you can talk into joining WAGS soon so that he could come to the Convention as well?
Vance, we're not being pushy about joining but just know a good thing (WAGS) when we see it (WAGS).  Whatever you decide to do, have fun with your iron cookware.
Steve

Offline Vance McAlister

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Re: IDing some old cast pieces....
« Reply #8 on: August 05, 2005, 07:43:54 PM »
Thanks again to everyone for all the replies.  CB I will try & call you later this weekend.  I believe we have some mutual friends, Benny & Linda Crevitt out at Russell.  

Vance