# 6 Wagner with etching on cooking surface

[Jeff Reid]

I have cleaned a lot of cast iron pans and have never run across this.  I bought it yesterday and local flea market - after awhile in the electro bath, I noticed this etching on cooking surface.  Has anyone ever seen this?  My assumption is that it was owned by someone who does engraving?   

[Sandy Glenn]

Jeff,
I'm unsure why your pictures aren't loading, but I believe it's because they're in heic format, and I don't believe our system will accept that format.  Try re-posting them in jpeg format, that should work.

[Jeff Reid]

Duh and Thanks Sandy!  I also noticed on the inside wall of the pan that it has little lines all over them.  I wonder if this pan was not completely ground smooth.  Also, the pan is done being seasoned but still in oven cooling down. I will post some more pictures. 

[Jeff Reid]

Finished

[Sandy Glenn]

I don't have an answer for the swirl marks on the inside wall of the pan, but I have seen it before.

As for the "etching" on the cooking surface, to me it looks like someone had a dental drill and too much time on his/her hands.  I honestly can't think of a reason why anyone would do that.

[Neal Birkett]

I believe that is from the milling machine being out of adjustment, or needing a new cutter.

[Jeff Reid]

Neal, the more I thought about it, that is what I think happened. 

[Valerie Johnson]

I have seen this on several Wagners but it often shows on newer BS&R Skillets , I always thought it was just a reduced cost in the finishing of later skillets, less expensive than polished surfaced but still having a somewhat polished look

[Duke Gilleland]

I kinduv "lean" to Neal's idea 

[Russell Ware]

I haven't seen a photo of the back of this skillet, but if it is a later Wagner, it is more than likely due to the machine wearing out with replace parts not available. They did what they could for as long as they could, and maybe a little more even after that.

[Jeff Reid]

Sorry