An introduction to early american cast iron skillets

We   lcome to my Early Skillets blog.  As a collector of cast iron cookware since 1968 I slowly came to realize my main interests had gradually shifted to early skillets and other cast iron cookware from the 1840 to 1900 period.  My posts will include photos of interesting pieces and information about early iron cookware.   I hope you like it.

Please note that this blog is not up and running yet; it's a beginning that may or may not be added to pending my time.  
Last update 5-10-15

Of these skillets only the makers of the third from left and one on the right are known.

Third is Vose & Co. in Albany and the last is Highland Foundry from Boston.  

In time maybe the maker of some of the other skillets will be known.

The photo above shows a selection of the fancier or more unique early skillets that were made during the last two thirds of the 19th century.  Handles varied widely as well as the shape and location (right or left side) of the pouring lips if there were lips.  Top rims also varied widely.

These sets of skillets I put together over many years mostly by buying on eBay, one at a time.  In time I realized that I was getting close to having a set so concentrated on finishing what I thought was a set, generally sizes 6-10 or 6-11.  The left stack of skillets seem to come from NY State, possibly Albany or Troy but nothing is really known.  They run sizes 6-10 and many are cast with a bottom that bows downward to some degree, sometimes below the deep heat rim.

The center set of sizes 6-10 are marked I. A. S. & Co. which is ISAAC A. SHEPPARD & Co. of Philidelphia, then Baltimore 1859-c.1930.

At the right are H.F. Co. marked skillets Nos. 6-7, 7-8, 8-9, 9-10, and 10-12.  The double size marking would indicate that each skillet would fit two different stove size lids.  Some of these skillets also have a patent date on the bottom June 10, 1879.   http://tinyurl.com/2dle3j

 Left:  Typical bottom views of skillet sets above.

One of the earliest skillets I have seen by an unknown maker who obviously put a lot of work into making a pattern with incredible detail.  There is a crack down the center of the pouring lip but that has not stopped me from cooking in this pan.   Maximum diameter is 10-⅛"

Estimated age is c.1830-1840