#8 MIAMI Skillet

[Thomas_Callaway]

I picked up a #8 MIAMI (in a diamond) at an estate sale last weekend. Actually, I thought it was a CAHILL because I could only see a little point of the diamond under the gunk.

After getting it cleaned up (that's when I discovered the 8) I also noticed it has a ghost mark MIAMI above the diamond logo where the ERIE ghosts appear on Griswolds. The next thing I began to notice was how small it looked for a #8. Sure enough, a #7 Griswold lid fits perfectly.

I thought a #8 was #8, regardless of the manufacturer. I have found this to be true of all the other skillets I own. Although the fit may be a little different, basically a lid will fit other brands. Is the #8 MIAMI mis-marked or are size numbers not so standard?

Thanks - TC

[Jerry Cermack]

That is an interesting question Thomas.

I believe I've had,, especially Wagner, skillets and lids that didnt  fit good, or at all, with the same number 8 on the skillets or other brands.  Are Erie skillets a different size than the ones marked Griswold?

[Thomas_Callaway]

From Slant ERIE's up the lids fit well. I've got some no-name,  and a Wagner Sidney -O- #7 that interchange. I just checked my Ozark #5 and it's about a 1/16 smaller than a Griswold. I just thought they should at least be within an 1/8th or so of being the same size. Not a whole size difference in the case of the MIAMI.

TC

[Steve_Stephens]

Favorite MIAMI--Wagner NATIONAL--Wapak ONETA--Griswold VICTOR
They are all slightly smaller and shallower than a regular skillet by the same company.  Made to compete with lesser brands.  Covers not made to fit except for the Wagner's (National).

Covers from different brands may or may not fit another maker's skillet.  

Early Erie skillets do vary in size somewhat especially the very early Erie 7 which is much smaller than the usual No.7's.  

Thomas, your Miami skillet has a ghost mark MIAMI above the MIAMI in the diamond?  Don't know if I've seen that one.  The upper MIAMI is probably the earlier marking and the pattern was filled and re-engraved with the center MIAMI.

Steve

[Thomas_Callaway]

Thanks Steve. That about answers it. I knew the Wagners, Griswolds, etc. were "close enough" in most instances with what I have. The MIAMI just fired up my curiosity.

I'll get some picks over the weekend and post them on the forum.

Thanks again - TC

[Steve_Stephens]

I cooked dinner two nights ago in my nickel plated Miami No.7 skillet.  Really nice early version that is very smooth on the inside but not polished on the outside as were the Griswold nickel plated skillets.  The lower depth makes it nice for some cooking.  Many of the MIAMI skillets have very nice looking markings.  Later ones have, in addition to MIAMI in the diamond, the Favorite Piqua Ware logo above the MIAMI.   Made in sizes 7-9.
Steve

[Thomas_Callaway]

Pics of the Miami #8 w/ghostmark for ya'll to zern.

http://tcallaway.com/iron/miami_8.htm

Need to pick up a new digital camera. This one's driving me nuts. Sorry for the poor quality pics.

TC

[Steve_Stephens]

 I don't see the ghost mark TC.  Maybe the photo quality doesn't show it?
Steve

[Greg Stahl]

I can see it just find on my PC, ;D

[Thomas_Callaway]

Man! I pushed that image to the limits. Yeah, it is hard to see, but I can see it because I know where it is. ;D

I'm taking it outside in natural light tomorrow and shooting it again. It really stands out to the nekked eye. Maybe I'll have to take the Cannon 35mm to it and scan it in!

TC

[Greg Stahl]

seez MIAMI above the MIAMI in the diamond, doesn't it??

[Harry Riva]

I can see it pretty well. It's faint but easily discernable.
Harry

[Steve_Stephens]

I can see it!!!   I had neglected to scroll down to the bottom photos that show the ghost.  

Does anyone remember seeing a Miami skillet with a strong MIAMI mark where this ghost mark is?  That would be an early version where the pattern was modified to change the logo to the newer MIAMI in a diamond.  I don't know, though, if I have seen an earlier version.
Steve