What do I have here?

[Craig Allison]

Picked this up at an estate sale yesterday.
Was pretty sure it was late 1890's iron.
But a friend with a lot more experience than I suggests that it's a recast from a newer pan but using the older bottom gate method of casting.
I had no idea that would be a real concern. It doesn't make much sense why someone would even do such a thing.
Some pics. What do y'all think?

[Cheryl Watson]

Craig, I would likely agree that it 'may' be a recast.....

But I would like to see it cleaned up to verify.....

Bottom gated items were produced by 'some' up thru the 1940's.

The Casting Quality will likely tell the story....

There are plenty of folks that play around currently with backyard/shop projects 're-casting' older items .... (meaning using an original skillet as their 'pattern'.... )

Lots of these fellas can be found out on youtube......   


PS... I uploaded pics directly so this post will remain valid if the server you are using goes poof down the road.....

[Craig Allison]

I'll have some more pics in a week or two.

It is probably the lightest pan I've ever held and the surface seems like it's gonna be smooth as glass. All the rust is on the surface (hopefully).

Even if it's a recast pan, it should still make a fine pan to cook in.

[Cheryl Watson]

True....    The Raised 'K' is what has me scratchin' my head.... lol

[Jim Glatthaar]

Very nice, Craig.  It looks like it will be a nice pan even if it is a recast.  Cooking with lighter weight cast iron is a learning curve after so many years of cooking with Lodge pans!  I can't wait to see the restored photos.

Cheryl may be right, the raised "K" doesn't look like the work of some backyard alchemist.

[Sandy Glenn]

What Cheryl and Jim said.  It will be much easier to assess once it's cleaned up.  Right now a guess as to authenticity is just a guess.

And yes, that "K" is puzzling.

[Neal Birkett]

The K is very odd.  It is not in the position that I would expect an initial, and did anyone notice that the K is backwards?

[Craig Allison]

The K is correct if the pan is hanging from the handle. Unlike all the other pans I have...

[Neal Birkett]

I thought it looked odd, and thought the longer diagonal stroke should be up to the left.  But perhaps I am mistaken.

[Craig Allison]

Oh I think you're right.

[Neal Birkett]

One way or the other, it's the only one like it I have seen.  And looks like a good skillet to boot.  Lots to be said in favor of that.  So, well done.

[Jim Glatthaar]

Agree with Neal, it's always great to have a unique piece.