Wagner cast iron was produced by Wagner Manufacturing Company of Sidney, Ohio, beginning in 1891. Vintage Wagner and Wagner Ware pieces are popular because many older examples have smooth machined cooking surfaces, durable casting, useful everyday performance, and collectible bottom markings.
The fastest way to start identifying a Wagner piece is to flip it over and look at the logo, wording, heat ring or smooth base, size mark, pattern number, and any later clues such as “Made in USA” or seasoning instructions. A logo/date chart can narrow the era, but it cannot replace a full condition check or expert appraisal.
Affiliate note: The Kitchen Professor may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. This guide is written to help you identify, date, restore, and use Wagner cast iron more confidently.
Not an appraisal: This guide can help you identify and roughly date Wagner cast iron, but it is not a professional appraisal. Value depends on exact pattern, condition, rarity, demand, and verified sold prices.
Wagner Cast Iron Quick Facts
| Topic | Quick answer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1891 | This is the beginning of Wagner Manufacturing Company as a major Sidney, Ohio cookware maker. |
| Location | Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio | Sidney, Sidney O, and Sidney -O- markings are key dating clues. |
| Founders | Milton M. and Bernard P. Wagner | Wagner began as a family manufacturing company before later corporate ownership changes. |
| Best-known marks | Wagner, Wagner Ware, Wagner Ware Sidney -O-, National, Long Life, Wardway, Ward’s Cast Iron, Magnalite | Different marks point to different eras, brands, and collector categories. |
| Most collectible era | Generally earlier pre-Randall family-era pieces are more prized, especially clean examples with desirable marks | Earlier does not automatically mean valuable. Condition and exact pattern still matter. |
| Later production | Randall, Textron, General Housewares, and later owners continued the name or lines after the family era | Later pieces can be excellent user pans but are usually a different collector category. |
| 1891 Original warning | “Wagner’s 1891 Original” usually refers to a later line, not a pan made in 1891 | This is one of the most common Wagner dating mistakes. |
| What to check first | Logo, exact wording, heat ring, size number, pattern number, “Made in USA,” cooking surface, cracks, wobble, and pitting | Logo alone is not enough for confident identification. |
| Best next step for restoration | Identify the material and value category before cleaning aggressively | Bare cast iron, nickel-plated ware, Magnalite, and collectible pieces need different care. |
Identify and Date Your Wagner Cast Iron
Use this tool as a practical starting point. Choose the logo, wording, base style, and visible marks on the bottom of your pan. It will estimate a likely date range and tell you what to check next.
This tool is not an appraisal or authentication service. Use it with clear underside photos, collector references, and condition checks before buying, selling, or restoring a valuable piece.
Interactive tool
Wagner Cast Iron Date Finder
Choose the logo, wording, base style, and visible marks on the bottom of your pan. This tool gives a practical date-range estimate and the next checks to make before buying, restoring, or valuing a piece.
Select the logo or wording on the bottom of your pan to estimate a likely Wagner date range.
Wagner Cast Iron Timeline
The timeline below combines company history with collector-relevant events. For the deepest date work, compare your piece against multiple clues instead of relying on one mark.
| Year / period | Event | Why collectors care |
|---|---|---|
| 1891 | Wagner Manufacturing Company is established in Sidney, Ohio by Milton M. and Bernard P. Wagner. Cast Iron Collector and Wagner Cast Iron both identify Sidney, Ohio as the company’s home. | This is the starting point for Wagner Manufacturing, but “1891” on a pan does not automatically mean the pan was made in 1891. |
| 1892 | Nickel-plated ware is added, according to Cast Iron Collector’s Wagner timeline. | Plated pieces require different cleaning decisions than bare cast iron. |
| 1894 | Cast aluminum cookware is introduced. | This leads toward Wagner’s later aluminum and Magnalite identity. |
| 1897 | Wagner acquires Sidney Hollow Ware, and William H. Wagner joins the cookware business. | Sidney and Sidney Hollow Ware-related marks can confuse new collectors. |
| 1905 | Wagner Cast Iron’s history page says the Sidney Hollowware foundry was sold back to Philip Smith in 1905. Cast Iron Collector lists 1903 for the Sidney Hollow Ware foundry sale. | Use source wording carefully. Older collector timelines can differ on exact dates. |
| 1908–1913 | Distribution expands nationally and internationally; Cast Iron Collector lists worldwide distribution by 1913. | Wagner was not a small local-only maker by this point. |
| 1915 | Wagner Cast Iron says the stylized Wagner Ware logo was introduced in 1915. | The stylized Wagner Ware mark becomes one of the most recognizable Wagner identifiers. |
| 1934 | Magnalite is introduced as a cast aluminum line. | Magnalite is Wagner-related but should not be restored or seasoned like bare cast iron. |
| 1952 | The Wagner family sells the company to The Randall Company of Cincinnati. | Many collectors treat the family-era pieces as more desirable, though condition still rules. |
| 1957 | Randall purchases Griswold Manufacturing. | Wagner and Griswold become connected through ownership, but they remain distinct collecting categories. |
| 1959 | Textron acquires Randall, including Wagner and Griswold rights. | Later corporate-era production is usually less prized than earlier family-era cookware. |
| 1969 | General Housewares Corporation buys the Textron housewares line, including Wagner. | “Made in USA” and later styling can point to this broader later period. |
| 1987 | General Housewares launches the “Wagner’s 1891 Original” line. | This is the big dating trap: “1891 Original” is not an 1891 antique. |
| 1996 | General Housewares sells Wagner and Griswold rights to Slyman Group, according to Cast Iron Collector. | By this point, the brand is no longer in the classic collectible production era. |
| 1999–2000 | The Sidney plant closes/falls into receivership, and the Wagner factory plus Wagner and Griswold trademark rights are sold to American Culinary Corporation of Willoughby, Ohio. | Useful for understanding modern trademark ownership and later products. |
| 2015–2016 | EPA records show a site investigation and removal action at the Wagner Ware Site at 440 Fair Road in Sidney, Ohio. EPA site profile | The former factory property became an environmental remediation site long after cookware production ended. |
| 2023 | The City of Sidney marked the beginning of demolition/remediation work at the former Wagner Manufacturing property at 440 Fair Road. City of Sidney | This closes a physical chapter in Wagner’s Sidney manufacturing history. |
| 2022 onward | Wagner Cast Iron’s modern story page says reissued products introduced a new generation to Wagner. | Modern Wagner-branded reissues are not the same as antique Wagner Manufacturing pieces. |
Wagner Logo and Date Guide
Use this Wagner logo guide as a starting point. Logo dates are approximate, production overlapped, and some pieces do not fit perfectly. The safest method is to combine the logo with the base style, heat ring, pattern number, handle shape, casting quality, and overall condition.
Wagner Cast Iron Logo and Date Guide
Visual guide showing simplified Wagner cast iron mark layouts and approximate date ranges. Use this as a starting point, then confirm with heat ring, smooth base, pattern number, handle style, condition, and trusted collector references.
Alt text: Visual guide showing simplified Wagner cast iron mark layouts and approximate date ranges.
Straight Wagner
Approx. 1890s–1915Layout: Plain straight name, usually simple block lettering.
Dating clue: Compare with size mark, heat ring, and overall casting quality.
Arc Wagner
Approx. 1891–1910Layout: Wagner shown in an arched layout.
Dating clue: Often paired with early heat-ring construction.
Wagner Sidney O
Approx. 1895–1915Layout: Wagner and Sidney O arranged as two mark areas.
Dating clue: Sidney O ties the piece to Sidney, Ohio; check heat ring and size number.
Stylized Wagner Ware Sidney -O-
Approx. 1915/1920s–1959Layout: Stylized Wagner Ware family with Sidney -O- wording.
Dating clue: Heat-ring examples tend earlier; smooth-base examples tend later.
Wagner Pie Logo
Approx. 1924–1934Layout: Pie-like educational layout with catalog-number style clues.
Dating clue: Date estimates vary; confirm with pattern number and base style.
National
Approx. 1910s–1930sLayout: National mark, often treated as a Wagner-associated line.
Dating clue: Check whether the piece has National alone or a dual Wagner/National-style relationship.
Long Life
Approx. 1930sLayout: Long Life wording with pattern or catalog clues.
Dating clue: Treat as a Wagner-associated brand family, not the same as the main Wagner Ware mark.
Wardway / Ward’s Cast Iron
Approx. 1930sLayout: Store-brand style wording associated with Montgomery Ward lines.
Dating clue: Compare with four-digit pattern numbers and known store-brand examples.
Made in USA Wagner Ware
Generally later, often post-1960sLayout: Wagner Ware plus Made in USA wording.
Dating clue: Often a later user-pan clue rather than an early collector-era clue.
Wagner’s 1891 Original
1987 and laterLayout: 1891 Original wording, often with later production clues.
Dating clue: Not an 1891 antique. Look for seasoning instructions, Made in USA, and redesigned handle features.
Magnalite
Introduced in the 1930sLayout: Wagner-related aluminum cookware line, not bare cast iron.
Dating clue: Do not restore or season Magnalite like a cast iron skillet.
Editor note: These are simplified educational mark layouts and approximate ranges. Wagner marks can overlap by size, pattern, base style, and production period. Use this visual guide with underside photos, heat ring or smooth-base clues, pattern numbers, handle shape, casting quality, and condition inspection before making a buying, selling, or restoration decision.
| Mark / logo | Approximate date range | Common clues | Base style | Collector note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight “Wagner” | 1890s | Block lettering, simple early mark | Often early heat-ring style | Early Wagner marks can be desirable, but condition and exact piece matter. |
| Arc “Wagner” | 1891–1910 | Wagner in an arc, often with size number | Usually heat ring | One of the classic early Wagner mark families. |
| Double-arc “Wagner Sidney O” | 1895–1915 | Wagner and Sidney O arranged in arc/arc format | Usually heat ring | Sidney O ties the piece to Sidney, Ohio and helps narrow the era. |
| Straight “Sidney” | 1897–1903 | Sidney mark associated with the Sidney Hollow Ware connection | Usually heat ring | Consider this a separate identification path from later Wagner Ware marks. |
| Straight centered “Wagner Sidney O” | 1910–1915 | Centered straight wording | Usually heat ring | Placement matters; take a clear underside photo. |
| Arc “Wagner” + straight “Sidney” | 1910–1920, depending on placement | Wagner in an arc, Sidney or Sidney O below | Usually heat ring | Collector references often split these by “low” and “high” placement. |
| Early Wagner Ware Sidney O with heat ring | 1920s | Older Wagner Sidney O patterns modified to include “Ware” | Heat ring | Useful transition mark between early Wagner and stylized Wagner Ware. |
| Stylized “Wagner Ware Sidney -O-” high logo | About 1922–1959, depending on size number, catalog number, and base style | Large stylized W, Sidney -O-, often with size or catalog number | Heat ring earlier; smooth base later | This is the best-known Wagner Ware mark. Use base style and catalog number to refine the estimate. |
| Stylized Wagner Ware with heat ring | About 1922–1935 | Stylized logo, heat ring, size number or four-digit catalog number | Heat ring | Often more collectible than later smooth-bottom user pieces. |
| Stylized Wagner Ware smooth base | About 1935–1959 | Stylized logo, four-digit catalog number, no heat ring | Smooth base | Common useful vintage Wagner; still desirable when clean and flat. |
| Wagner pie logo | About 1924–1934 | Pie-slice style layout, usually with four-digit catalog number | Often smooth bottom, though examples vary | Cast Iron Collector notes that published sources disagree, so use this as an estimate. |
| National | 1890s–1920s, with some later dual-logo examples | National arc or National/Wagner dual markings | Usually heat ring on earlier pieces | A Wagner-associated economy or store-style brand family. |
| Long Life | 1930s | Long Life wording, often with catalog number | Varies | Another Wagner-associated brand worth identifying separately. |
| Wardway / Ward’s Cast Iron | 1930s | Montgomery Ward-related branding | Varies | Wagner made cookware for retail/store brands; do not overlook these. |
| “Made in USA” Wagner Ware | Generally later, especially post-1960s-era pieces | Made in USA wording, later handle and base styling | Often smooth base | Can be a good user pan but usually not the same collector category as early Wagner. |
| “Wagner’s 1891 Original” | 1987 and later | 1891 Original wording, often with seasoning instructions or redesigned handle/thumb rest | Modern/later production | Not an 1891 antique. Treat as a later user piece unless there is separate evidence. |
| Magnalite | Introduced in 1934 | Cast aluminum or magnesium-aluminum alloy cookware | Not cast iron | Wagner-related, but do not clean, season, or restore it like bare cast iron. |
Important: “Wagner’s 1891 Original” does not mean the pan was made in 1891. Wagner Cast Iron’s official history says General Housewares launched that line in 1987, with redesigned handles and seasoning instructions cast into the bottom.
How to Identify Wagner Cast Iron Step by Step
Good identification starts with clear photos and exact wording. Do this before stripping, sanding, seasoning, buying, or selling.
Diagram labeling logo, size number, pattern number, heat ring, pour spouts and handle clues on the underside of a cast iron skillet.
- Photograph the full underside. Include the handle, pour spouts, base, heat ring, and any raised or incised text.
- Record the exact wording and logo shape. “Wagner,” “Wagner Ware,” “Sidney O,” and “Sidney -O-” are not interchangeable.
- Look for Sidney, Sidney O, or Sidney -O-. These marks tie the piece to Sidney, Ohio and help narrow the era.
- Check for a heat ring or smooth base. Heat-ring skillets often point earlier than smooth-bottom pieces, though there are exceptions.
- Record the size number and pattern number. Four-digit pattern numbers are useful for dating and matching lids.
- Check for “Made in USA” or seasoning instructions. These usually point toward later production, not the earliest collector period.
- Inspect the cooking surface. Smooth vintage surfaces are one reason collectors like Wagner, but pitting and damage reduce usefulness.
- Check for cracks, wobble, pitting, repairs, and strange smells. A beautiful logo does not make an unsafe or damaged pan worth using.
- Compare the mark to a trusted logo/date chart. Cast Iron Collector’s trademark guide is one useful reference.
- Ask a collector group or expert only after taking clear photos. A blurry handle photo is not enough for serious identification.
Wagner Ware Sidney -O- Explained
“Sidney -O-” means Sidney, Ohio. It is one of the most recognizable Wagner Ware markings and one of the first things collectors look for on the bottom of a skillet, Dutch oven, or griddle.
The exact layout matters. A simple “Wagner” mark, an arc “Wagner,” a “Wagner Sidney O,” and a stylized “Wagner Ware Sidney -O-” usually point to different production periods. That is why clear underside photos matter so much.
A four-digit pattern or catalog number helps even more. It can help identify the piece, match lids, compare similar skillets, and separate earlier heat-ring versions from later smooth-bottom examples.
Is Wagner’s 1891 Original Antique?
Usually, no. “Wagner’s 1891 Original” is one of the most misunderstood Wagner marks. It sounds like an antique made in 1891, but it generally refers to a later line launched by General Housewares in 1987.
Common later clues include “1891 Original” wording, seasoning instructions cast into the bottom, “Made in USA,” redesigned handles, and a thumb-rest style handle. These pieces can still be useful pans, but they are not in the same collector category as early Wagner Manufacturing or early Wagner Ware Sidney-O pieces.
If your family has a Wagner’s 1891 Original pan, treat it as a good user candidate first and a high-value antique only if other evidence supports that claim.
Why Collectors Like Vintage Wagner
Collectors like vintage Wagner for practical and historical reasons. The best pieces are not just decorative. Many are still excellent cookware.
- Smooth machined cooking surfaces: Many older Wagner skillets feel smoother than rougher modern castings.
- Lighter, finished feel: Vintage skillets often feel more refined than many modern budget castings.
- Good everyday cooking performance: A flat, sound, properly seasoned Wagner can still be a daily pan.
- Strong collector markings: Sidney-O, early Wagner, National, Long Life, and other marks give collectors something to identify and compare.
- Broad variety: Wagner made skillets, griddles, Dutch ovens, waffle irons, muffin and gem pans, kettles, lids, aluminum ware, and more.
- Availability: Wagner can be easier to find than some rarer makers, which makes it a good entry point for vintage cast iron collecting.
Do not confuse “collectible” with “automatically valuable.” A cracked, warped, heavily pitted, or contaminated Wagner is less useful than a clean, flat, unmarked user pan. User value and collector value are different things.
Wagner vs. Griswold
Wagner and Griswold are often discussed together because both were major American cast iron makers and because their ownership histories became linked in the 1950s. They are still separate collecting categories.
| Brand | City | General collector reputation | Common strengths | What to watch for | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wagner | Sidney, Ohio | Highly respected, often slightly more approachable than top Griswold prices | Smooth cooking surfaces, good user pans, strong markings, wide availability | Later “Made in USA” and “1891 Original” pieces are not the same category as early Wagner | Collectors who want a balance of history, usability, and findability |
| Griswold | Erie, Pennsylvania | One of the most famous vintage cast iron names | Lightweight feel, smooth surfaces, strong collector demand | High prices, reproductions, and condition issues | Collectors who want iconic marks and are willing to pay for condition |
For a deeper comparison, read our guide to Wagner versus Griswold cast iron.
How to Check Condition Before You Buy
A desirable mark does not cancel out damage. Always inspect the pan before buying, restoring, or cooking with it.
- Cracks: Check the sidewalls, handle base, pour spouts, and cooking surface.
- Spinner or wobble: Place the pan on a flat surface and see whether it rocks or spins.
- Warping: Warping matters more on glass, ceramic, and induction-style flat cooktops.
- Pitting: Light exterior pitting may be cosmetic; deep cooking-surface pitting reduces performance.
- Fire damage: Reddish, chalky, or weakened iron may indicate overheating.
- Unknown industrial use: Avoid pans that may have been used for lead, chemicals, oils, or shop work.
- Bad repairs: Welds, grinding, cracks, and filled defects can reduce both safety and value.
- Recast warning signs: Blurry markings, odd weight, crude casting, and distorted details deserve extra scrutiny.
- Heavy carbon: Thick buildup can hide cracks, pitting, and casting flaws.
- Lid fit: If the piece includes a lid, make sure it actually matches.
Walk Away If…
- There is a crack through the cooking surface or sidewall.
- The wobble is severe for your stove type.
- The piece has unknown industrial use or suspected lead contamination.
- The cooking surface has deep pitting that will affect food release.
- The seller refuses to provide clear underside photos.
Restoring and Seasoning Wagner Cast Iron
Vintage Wagner can often be restored beautifully, but identify the piece before cleaning aggressively. Collector pieces, plated pieces, aluminum Magnalite, and bare cast iron do not all need the same treatment.
- Start gently. Wash, inspect, and photograph before stripping the pan.
- Do not sand or grind collector pieces casually. Removing original machining or casting details can reduce collector appeal.
- Avoid dishwashers. Dishwashers can strip seasoning and cause rust.
- Separate materials. Bare cast iron, nickel-plated ware, aluminum, Magnalite, and enamel all need different care.
- After rust removal, dry immediately. Bare iron flash-rusts quickly.
- Season thinly. Too much oil creates sticky seasoning instead of a hard, even layer.
For full instructions, use our guide on how to season cast iron. For oil selection, see the best oil to season cast iron and our guide on how to season cast iron with flaxseed oil. For broader antique restoration, see our restoring antique cast iron guide.
If your piece is enameled, compare it with our enameled cast iron vs cast iron guide before treating it like bare iron.
Should You Cook With Vintage Wagner?
Yes, if the piece is clean, structurally sound, not contaminated, and properly seasoned. A flat Wagner skillet with a smooth cooking surface can be a wonderful daily pan for eggs, cornbread, pancakes, searing, and skillet dinners.
Do not cook with cracked, lead-contaminated, unknown-use, heavily pitted, or unsafe pieces. Some pieces are better kept as display items, family heirlooms, or restoration projects rather than everyday cookware.
For cooking ideas, see our guides to cooking with cast iron, the best things to cook in cast iron, and high heat cooking with cast iron.
Where to Buy Wagner Cast Iron
You can find Wagner cast iron in many of the same places collectors hunt for Griswold, Lodge, Wapak, and other vintage iron.
- Estate sales
- Flea markets
- Antique stores
- eBay and other auction marketplaces
- Cast iron collector groups
- Family and heirloom cookware collections
- Local auctions and estate liquidators
Ask for underside photos, close-ups of the cooking surface, and a flat-surface wobble check. Search by exact mark and pattern number, not just “old Wagner skillet.” For pricing, look at sold listings rather than asking prices, and be cautious with terms like “rare,” “antique,” and “1891.”
For a personal collector story, read about my first vintage Wagner cast iron skillet.
Recommended Resources
If you want a physical collector reference, The Book of Griswold & Wagner: Favorite * Wapak * Sidney Hollow Ware is still one of the common books collectors mention when researching vintage cast iron. Use it as a reference, not as a replacement for condition inspection and current sold-price research.
For online research, start with Cast Iron Collector’s Wagner Manufacturing Co. page, Cast Iron Collector’s trademark guide, and Wagner Cast Iron’s story page.
Wagner Cast Iron FAQ
When was Wagner cast iron founded?
Wagner Manufacturing Company was established in Sidney, Ohio in 1891 by Milton M. and Bernard P. Wagner.
Where was Wagner cast iron made?
Classic Wagner cast iron was made in Sidney, Ohio. That is why marks such as Sidney, Sidney O, and Sidney -O- are important identification clues.
How do I date Wagner cast iron?
Flip the piece over and record the exact logo, wording, heat ring or smooth base, size number, pattern number, and any “Made in USA” or seasoning-instruction marks. Then compare those clues against a trusted logo/date guide.
What does Wagner Ware Sidney -O- mean?
Sidney -O- refers to Sidney, Ohio, the company’s manufacturing home. Wagner Ware Sidney -O- is one of the best-known Wagner markings and appears in several layouts and base styles.
Is Wagner’s 1891 Original actually from 1891?
Usually, no. “Wagner’s 1891 Original” generally refers to a later line launched in 1987, not a pan made in 1891. These pieces can still be good user cookware, but they are not the same as early Wagner antiques.
Is Wagner cast iron valuable?
Some Wagner cast iron is valuable, but value depends on exact mark, piece type, size, condition, rarity, demand, and verified sold prices. A common later pan with wobble or pitting is very different from a clean early collectible example.
Is Wagner better than Griswold?
Not universally. Both brands made excellent vintage cast iron. Griswold often commands stronger collector premiums, while Wagner can offer excellent cooking performance and collectibility at more approachable prices. Read our full Wagner versus Griswold cast iron comparison for more detail.
Are Wagner pans good for cooking?
Yes, many vintage Wagner pans are excellent for cooking if they are clean, flat, uncracked, uncontaminated, and properly seasoned. Smooth cooking surfaces are one reason people still like them as user pans.
What does Made in USA mean on Wagner cast iron?
“Made in USA” usually points to later production rather than the earliest collector era. It does not make the pan bad, but it changes how collectors date and value it.
What is the Wagner pie logo?
The Wagner pie logo is a stylized mark layout associated with roughly the mid-1920s to mid-1930s period in collector references. Because published sources have disagreed on exact dating, use it with other clues such as catalog number and base style.
What are National, Long Life, Wardway, and Ward’s Cast Iron?
These are Wagner-associated brand or store-brand lines. They can be collectible and useful, but they should be identified on their own terms rather than lumped under only the main Wagner Ware logo.
What is Magnalite?
Magnalite is Wagner’s cast aluminum cookware line, introduced in the 1930s. It is historically connected to Wagner, but it is not bare cast iron and should not be restored or seasoned like a cast iron skillet.
Should I restore a rusty Wagner skillet?
Often, yes, but identify the piece first. A common user pan is a good restoration candidate. A rare or plated piece may deserve a more careful approach or professional advice.
Can I sand a vintage Wagner pan?
Do not sand or grind a collectible Wagner casually. Sanding can remove original machining, alter the surface, and reduce collector appeal. Use safer restoration methods and preserve the original surface when possible.
How do I season Wagner cast iron?
For bare cast iron, clean it, dry it thoroughly, apply a very thin layer of oil, and heat it according to a safe seasoning process. Follow our full guide on how to season cast iron for step-by-step instructions.
Where can I buy Wagner cast iron?
Estate sales, flea markets, antique stores, auctions, eBay, collector groups, and family collections are all common sources. Always ask for underside photos, condition details, and flatness checks.
How can I tell if Wagner cast iron is fake or a recast?
Look for blurry markings, distorted shapes, odd weight, rough casting, incorrect logo placement, and details that do not match known examples. Compare against trusted references and ask experienced collectors if the piece looks suspicious.
Final Takeaway
Wagner cast iron is worth learning because the markings, base styles, and timeline tell you more than just age. They help you decide whether a piece is an early collectible, a practical user pan, a later 1891 Original, or a different Wagner-associated line like National, Long Life, Wardway, or Magnalite.
Flip the pan over, record the exact marks, check the condition, and compare multiple clues. That is the kitchen-science approach to vintage cast iron: identify the evidence first, then decide whether to cook, collect, restore, or walk away.
I would like to know how old my dutch oven with lid are. At the 12 noon position on bottom is WAGNER and below that is
SIDNEY – OHIO – USA and all encircled in an oval. On the bottom. 6 pm position, it says 5 QT./4.7 LTR. and below that is B 2 – 98. There is no raised circle around the bottom. How old might it be?
America introduced metrics after “Congress passed the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 “to coordinate and plan the increasing use of the metric system in the United States”. Voluntary conversion was initiated, and the United States Metric Board (USMB) was established…” (wiki “metrification”) disbanded after 1982.
So, when I see dual capacity labels, I infer a early date of about 1975 to 1982. Pictures are a real need, here. cast lid, or glass with a clear glass knob? Wire Bail? and more questions…
I suspect the “B2 – 98” might refer to a mold # plus, a patent date, first date of manufacture, of that item, not necessarily the date of your example, or Catalog Item Number.
But, I defer to the “experts”, if any are present.
I searched everywhere to find out if a small aluminum coated (chromed?) skillet (4″) is really a Wagner. It has “WAGNER” imprinted on the bottom. It does not look like any I have seen.
I have a Griswold number 7 cast iron fry pan with Erie, Pa, USA 701 C. It looks like it was covered with this shiny silver on the whole pan but on the inside, it looks like it has worn off in certain areas. Is it safe to still cook with this pan? I need to re-season it. Do I use the same method as used for the other cast iron skillets? I haven’t seen this type of finish before. Thanks.
I have another question. I have some old cast iron skillets from my mother and they have a buildup on the outside of them. In reading, some have said to put them thru a self cleaning oven cycle and this buildup will turn to powder. Is this the correct way to clean these skillets up? They look like they have like a black shiny finish and it is worn off in the center of the inside and around the edges. Is that buildup or was it coated with something in shiny black?
They are also Griswold skillets. Thanks for you help.
Try checking out this link by a restorer of vintage cast iron…I tried the electrolysis option and it works on both rust and old seasoning at the same time with just a little less elbow grease, lol. Amazing! The two pieces I found turned out to be vintage, one Wagner Ware and one Griswold! Didn’t know before the cleaning! Check it out! https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.castironcollector.com/cleaning.php&ved=0ahUKEwjv0tvgw_TSAhVJ52MKHU77ApMQFgjHATAc&usg=AFQjCNH0-8a8VsX3Rq-OSNmZuwPJBp7GCw&sig2=XApNT0GzCaSOGvbcx07YNw
The easiest way that I have found to clean cast iron is to buy a pound of pure lye (look at drain cleaners that are pure lye), get a large plastic tub with lid that allows you to submerge the entire pan, add lye and enough water to cover the pan and let soak overnight. Using rubber gloves, remove the pan and rinse it off. If need be, soak another day. Upon removing and rinsing, you must immediately oven dry and begin the curing process as the pan will immediately begin to rust. It will make the pan look like new.
Hello…..My son is interested in metallurgy and knife making. So it doesn’t surprise me that he asked me to buy him a cast iron skillet. I went to our local used store/community service store and bought a used Wagner #10 skillet.
Reading the above notes you have here, I assume that it is likely a modern skillet with the “Made in the USA” on the bottom, “Wagner Ware” and “11 3/4 inch skillet.
I did not buy as a collectible, but rather as a skillet that he plans to use daily or routinely.
The skillet appears to be in excellent condition. IT has the typical dark, seasoned finish with no rust at all.
Question: What is the age of this skillet and what care/maintenance should be done to keep it in tiptop condition for routine use?
Cheers….Glenn Rogers
Canada
Hey Glenn, that’s a great skillet for your son! Great find.
It is probably from the ’50s or ’60s. As you mention, the “Made in the USA” is the sign we need to say that.
Use the skillet often with oil & grease. Avoid using soap if you can avoid it. I like to use a Lodge plastic scrubber or a green 3M scrubby. Dry it right away and don’t let it soak in water. Once it is dry, lightly coat it in oil and wipe away all excess oil.
Tell your son “congrats” – That’s a great skillet!
Do not oil cold cast iron. It should be seasoned EVERY TIME YOU USE IT. After it is clean and dry, heat it on a medium-low flame or 2-3 on an electric burner. Every 30 seconds, “pinch” the rim to see if it is a bit too hot to touch. When it is just hot, turn off the flame or move it off the electric burner, add a tablespoon of oil, wipe that around the bottom and asides with a cloth. Wait 10 minutes and wipe again.
I have a old 4 qt ice tea picture made by wagner ware early 1900. I cant find none on any sites. It some kind heavy metal. If you know what it is please let me know?
Hi, I have a Wagner Sidney O waffle iron, with the Pat’n of Feb. 22, 1910, is that the date it was made?
Thanks for all the posting info. There’s a wonderful shiny smooth frying pan I wouldn’t trade
for anything! It’s a sweet 8″ WagnerWare, sidney -0- (at 12 o’clock) and 1056 F (at 6 0′
clock) Your postings fostered my curiosity as to it’s age. No matter, tho, it’s NOT for sale !!!
I do have some Lodge pieces and they’re okay, … no complaints …. the WagnerWare cooks
tastier food !!! :)
When my mother passed away I collected her cast iron pans. Now that I am cleaning them I have 3 that say Wagner ware. The largest is a 13 1/2 in skillet that says made in USA. The smallest is 6.5 inches and has pour lips on each side. It also has 1053 N on the bottom. The third piece is a flat grill (?) or lid approx 12 inches with 1109 Bon bottom. The 2 smaller pans do not say made in USA. Any info you could provide would be great. Thanks!!
I hope you can help me. I have some Lodge pans and I use them all the time. I just cond my brother into giving me this pan and I would like to know how old and the worth. It’s not black like my other pans.it’s silver. It says Wagner
Are sidney -o- at the top and 1058B at the bottom . Also a #8 on the handle
My Husband recently brought home & gave to me a large semi U shaped skillet, that I immediately recognized as a possible Omelet Skillet (never used one, but it wasn’t a stretch to figure out it’s possible use)! It needs a good cleaning, but I can read the Engraving that’s on the underside of both sides! It’s Engraved as;
Wagner
Ware
Sydney
– O. –
….and at the bottom center;
821
…..plus it has Wooden Handles w/ Metal Rings at the end of each Handle, obviously for hanging it up by the Stove or Fireplace, that appear in good condition! I’m wondering, based on the Info I’ve given & laid out, would you be able to give me a general idea of it’s possible age or time frame of use? I do have Pictures, but not sure how to include them w/ my Comment/Question! Thanks for your help, & look forward to your answer soon!
What you have is 1/2 of an omelet pan.
ebay: WAGNER-WARE-821-Double-Sided-Omelette-Pan-
I need the bottom piece to a Wagner Ware lid 1081A. Will a 1088A fit that lid?
I’m just going through some old pots and pans and came across my grandmothers 5 qt. Dutch a Oven with glass lid. It says “wagoners 1891 original 5 qt.” with seasoning directions on the bottom. I’m guessing it’s at least 40-50 years old since my grandmother passed away 32 years ago. Any ideas on worth? Should I hang on to it???
Hi, I just read an article that stated the Wagner 1891s were manufactured from 1991 to 1999. I have two of those, a skillet and a chicken fryer..
Hey Dick, that’s right. It was a revival in the 90s.
Hi, I seem to have a 5qt like yours (lid missing) with seasoning instructions on the bottom. Can you tell me what the instructions say? I am unable to make out all of what is stamped on mine.
I came across this tiny little cast iron skillet and while cleaning a logo appeared on bottom can only make out part of it. Words in a circle bottom portion reads international cast iron there is a design in the middle kinda like a fluer de li with some other markings above it. Tried to look it up but to no avail. Would like to know the history of any can you help identify.
I have a skillet, 10.5″ with only a B on the bottom. No marks on the handle (blank) made in USA. Stamped 1891 Original [Cast Iron Cookware]. With ‘Seasoning Instructions’ 1 thru 4. Last stamp says “Ready for use – Reseason as necessary”. Any idea of of its age? Yes it has 2 pouring lips.
Take care.
Just yesterday, 8/26, a friend of mine gave me a Wagner cast iron skillet. If it is of value, I would like to return it to him. I’m simply looking for an older skillet for baking cornbread.
It has WAGNER (all caps) on the bottom, and what appears to be II (perhaps eleven) also on the bottom near the handle. There is no rise on the handle where the thumb would rest while holding the pan.
Thank you in advance for any information you may provide.
my boss required DD 1056 last year and came across a business that has a ton of fillable forms . If people have been needing DD 1056 too , here’s a
http://goo.gl/zCjbRg.I have a high logo wagner ware sidney with 8H at the bottom. What is the meaning of the 8 and the meaning of the H? Also, I have seen other alphabetic letters, what do they mean? What is a heat ring?
I received a complete set of MagnaLite Wagner Ware as a wedding present in November 1954. That is still used every day.
I have a small Wagner Ware Sidney 0 #2 skillet. I wonder how much it is worth?
i have a wagner ware -0- it sez 1400 on bottom of skillet and inside of lid and i know it to be more than 50yrs old. could someone date this and give me a value? it is in excellent shape and was used. it says chicken fryer on the bottom of it. it belonged to my grandmother and she died in the late 70’s. am interested if anybody could give me any information, ty.
I am thinking about purchasing a cast iron skillet that on the bottom only has “SIDNEY” across the middle and below at the bottom the number 10. It also has a heat ring. Is there a way to know if this is indeed a Wagner? Any idea of date of manufacture? Is it collectible? It appears to be in good shape. The seller claims it is a Wagner from 1910-1920. Thanks
I have my great aunts skillet. I’m trying to figure out what year it was made. It is 11 inches wide. It says “Wagner” in an arch with “Sidney,” on a straight line underneath and “O” underneath that. At the 6 o’clock position it says “9D” with the 9 being twice as large as the D. There is a solid ring all around the bottom. There are no other markings. Thanks for your help.
i am looking for a large 20″ + skillet with handle AND GRAB HANDLE DO YOU KNOW WHO MADE THE LARGEST OLD STYLE WAGNER / GRISWOLD ? WE COOK FOR BIG GROUPS WILL BUY IF WE CAN FIND A BIG ONE !! THANKS WE HAVE A 14 THAT IS 15” BUT WOULD LIKE BIGGER ! PHONE # 828 773 6757 Thanks
I just picked up a roaster pan with cover and a insert for the bottom of the pan. It has Wagner (it is arched) ware is underneath Sidney – O – is under that and the number 4255-M on the bottom. I am not sure what material it is so could you tell me how to clean it . It needs a good cleaning also can it be used outside on a fire pit? Thanking you in advance.
Sorry I was wrong it says 4265 – M – you can see the number more clearly on the insert. Also not sure about old things but I am assuming this is old. Or maybe worth something.
Hi, just wondering the age of an 8 inch cast iron pan that I found in my back yard in the ground. I scrubbed it out and has some rust and corrosion going on. I rubbed canola oil all over and it reads Wagner with the curved w at the top with Sidney and o. The number 8 is on the handle and the bottom is flat. Please let me know anything about the age and value. I am looking at how to clean it up to restore possibly. Thanks for any input. Alexandria
What does the thumb rest set consist of, excluding the 1891,a?
I’m collecting W.W.S.-O- w/thumb rest, excluding the 1891’s.befor the 1891’s was everything with a thumb rest consider a set.If so what did the set consist of.Thank you?
A bit of nostalgia came over me tonight as I finished cleaning up after our Sunday evening family dinner. The last piece of cookware to get cleaned is usually a large what we refer to as a roaster pan with a heavy domed lid. I have always felt fortunate to have this “roaster” in my pots and pans cupboard for no other reason except that somehow I ended up with it from my mother. There were two of these such roasters, the other one having disappeared somewhere along the way. At no other time other than this evening did I ever think of the value of this piece other than it is a great source for cooking wonderful roasts and gravies and sauces. And, I know my piece has had no where the care as described above, so naturally the finish both inside and outside is questionable at best. However, the end result is still wonderful. The inside is several colors of grey, the outside is a patch work of burned on bronze. I have no real interest in its origin and have no need to add any further cookware to my inventory, but this piece is one I rely on when I expect a recipe to turn out good. Just thought I’d take the time to let your company know of a satisfied customer from a long time ago. The number under the name and Sidney O is 4267 – M. After reading the stories of other very satisfied owners of Wagner magnalite products, I think it very interesting to follow the history and legacy of those people involved. It is great to read such nice stories.
I have two Wagner pans (one 12″ and one 14″?) that were hand-me-downs from family. We used to have a gas stove and the pans performed beautifully! However, we’ve had to move and now have an induction stove top (cannot get gas in our neighborhood). Because these pans are both slightly warped, they cannot make a good connection with the induction surface and therefore don’t heat properly or evenly. Plus they tend to “spin”, even with a paper towel underneath (yup, you can cook on paper towels – that’s the incredible thing about induction!)
Can these pans be flattened? I’m concerned about grinding metal away because I don’t want to get any thin spots. I can’t imagine if they can be hammered… wouldn’t they crack?
Anyone have any luck with flattening? I’d hate to part with these pans as they have “history”.
Thank you.
Hello I am selling a cast iron Cauldron from late 1800 the imprint on bottom is 8/4. 3 legs with handle do you know actual value?
I just went to a little festival called Oro Grande Days, In Oro Grande C.A. I bought a 10 1/2 inch skillet in an antique shop. It was way way rusty but, I’m gonna get it back in shape.
What I wanna know is, how can I find out when it was made ?
You wouldn’t believe the cast iron cookware I’ve found in the ‘Gar-Bage over the last 40 or so years. Wagner, Lodge, a d lots of foreign stuff that I probably should have scrapped. My most treasured find was a Wagner #10 (1060-A) which I still use every day. Believe it or not someone heated roofing tar in it. That person should have been scourged. It took me some effort to remove it along with a thick crusty layer underneath. These days she’s as smooth as glass. I find things on eBay all the time but there’s always some mental case who bids 10 seconds before time expires. I’ve lost lots of good pans like that. My main question is concerning a Lodge 20″ Hotel skillet. I understand that Lodge discontinued that pan in 2000. That monster covers all four burners of a residential stove. What would one be worth in very good condition? I had one in 1982 but it was stolen from me. I have taken a vow that I will own one again before I die! I would appreciate your feedback and opinion, thank you, Phil.?.
I have a cast iron skillet with the number 8 incised on the handle. It also has the word Wagner on the top of the handle period I would like to know where this came from and who manufactured it period I have not been able to find any information on it at all period and it’s the only one I’ve ever seen like this. Thanks
Trying to find out how old my egg and bacon skillet is? Wagner ware O 1101c
Hello this is very interesting reading all of it. I just looked at the bottom of my old pan it says Wagner and has a x close to the end and a 10 on top, guess for inside inches, bottom shows 11 3/4, i love it
I have a 10 inch cast iron skillet. It has the word “SIDNEY” in quotation marks in an arc along one edge of the bottom and the mark 8 A opposite the “SIDNEY” mark. It also has a heat ring around the bottom edge. I am thinking that it was made around 1890. Can anyone give any more definitive information? The skillet is smooth and in very good condition.
I have a square Wagner Sidney -O- 1218, 9.5″ skillet. Would love to have a lid. Did they even have lids for their square skillets?
I have a Wagner skillet with the Big W for Wager and the
wagner is arched over Ware. Sidney and and O. This is at the top center. Bottom center is 1088 D
Bottom is totally flat and the sided are straight. Pan is about 3 inches deep I think it is from the 1920’s Is that look correct?
I just bought a vintage (my first one) unmarked cast iron 5 quart “made in USA” Dutch oven that looks like a Wagner unmarked one I saw on eBay. It has an “H” on the bottom. Can you tell me what the H stands for and what I might have (lid missing).
have a wagner 1172 scotch pot in great condition. anyone know anything about them? cant find anything on them anywhere.
Hello,
I need some help with a Wagner logo that I purchased.
When I saw the lid, “a Wagner ware no.9 drip drop roaster”, I knew it was an old one. It had a pan with it.
Only after having it for a few days I realized the pan was a different era. After a long if research, it turned out the pan is a scotch bowl from the 1890’s.
Here is my dilemma. Every one I have seen has the Wagner Sidney “O” logo with a pan size number.
This one has the ‘Wagner” logo at 12 o’clock around the edge, and the “Siidney” logo at 6 o’clock on the very bottom. There is no “O”, and no Pan size number.
Both the’Wagner and Sidney arc in opposite directions.
Any help about this logo would be great. I have not seen it on any other piece I’ve looked at.
I have a “Wagner’s 1891 Original Cast Iron, Seasoning Instructions 1-4, A, 11 3/4 inch skillet made in U.S.A.. What does the “A” signify?
Do you know anyone that is an expert on the collecting side? I have what I believe is a cast iron cheese press marked “LITTLE GEM no.2” on both sides. I’m not sure who makes it or really anything about it. I can’t find an example of it anywhere which leads me to believe it’s extremely rare. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Sven
I have a 12 inch wagner 1891 original chicken fryer I broke the glass lid where can I get one
looking for a glass lid for a 10 1/2″ skillet/pot. It was all glass, anybody have one?
Hi Do you sell any cast iron bread pans. Please E Mail me back to let me know. Thanks.
My Great Aunt gave me her skillet in 1955 when I married. The Wagner is in “s. Under it is Sidney. Under Sidney is an O. The size is 7A. Any information would be great.
I have Wagner skillets that have Sydney on them. They were my moms. she died 2009 age 94 and had these pans all my life.
I just wondered about what year they were made?
I am a decendent of the Wagner family. I recently started collecting more of the older pieces for our family legacy. I was wondering, I have found a dutch oven that had both Wagnerware and Griswold printed on the bottom. I was wondering about the story behind it and when it might have been made? Can not find any family history on it in our family book.
Hi Sur! That’s so awesome about your Wagner Ware/Griswold cast iron dutch oven. I did a little research and actually found out that some cast iron wear with dual logos was produced briefly after the company that owned Wagner Ware bought out the Griswold company. Although they are not often up for sale, I did find out that, sadly, the dual logo does not increase their rarity or their value. If you’d like to read more, click here for some information: http://www.castironcollector.com/noncollectible.php.
Also, there’s a great post on our website comparing Wagner Ware with Griswold cast iron. Search for “wagner versus griswold”.
Thanks for sharing your story, and keep enjoying your family’s pieces!