Authenticating Your Antique: Uncovering The Truth About Your Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron pans are highly sought after in the antique market due to their long lifespans, which can be extended to 150 years or more with proper maintenance. However, the market is flooded with counterfeits, making it essential to know how to identify a genuine cast iron pan. The first tell-tale sign is the weight—cast iron cookware is notoriously heavy, typically weighing between 3 and 12 pounds. The second indicator is the surface, which should be black to dark grey, with a smooth and shiny finish if it's in good condition. Additionally, authentic cast iron pans are made from a single mould, so the handles should be seamlessly integrated without any screws or rivets. Lastly, check the bottom of the pan for a manufacturer's logo, stock number, or city of origin.

Check the weight: real cast iron is heavy and difficult to lift with one hand

The weight of a cast iron pan is a tell-tale sign of its authenticity. Real cast iron pans are heavy, with a thick bottom and sides, making them difficult to lift with one hand. The weight of a cast iron pan typically ranges from 4 to 12 lbs, with the standard 12-inch skillet weighing in at 8 lbs. The weight will scale up or down depending on the size of the skillet.

When it comes to cooking, having the right tools for the job is essential, and cast iron pans are a popular choice for many chefs. However, with the high demand for second-hand and vintage cast iron, it's important to be able to spot a genuine cast iron pan.

The weight of a cast iron pan is a crucial factor in its performance. The thick, heavy construction ensures even heat distribution, preventing hot spots that can burn food. Additionally, the weight helps to retain heat, resulting in consistent cooking temperatures. This makes cast iron pans ideal for searing meats, as the intense heat creates a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Not only are cast iron pans functional, but they also add a rustic charm to any kitchen. Their hefty weight and dark, raw finish exude a sense of durability and timelessness. Whether displayed on a pot rack or stored in a cabinet, cast iron pans have a presence that is hard to ignore.

Look for markings: manufacturers often display their brand, size or range name on their cast iron pieces

When trying to determine whether your cast iron pan is real, you should look for markings. Manufacturers often display their brand, size, or range name on their cast iron pieces.

The markings on cast iron pans can vary from the company's name to a set of cryptic letters and numbers. Sometimes, the markings are a set of mysterious notches, and in some cases, there are no markings at all. This inconsistency is often a result of marketing. For example, a Wagner skillet made to sell in a specific store would forgo the Wagner label and rely on its signature characteristics for brand identification.

The letters and numbers you'll find on the bottom of a vintage pan often denote a pattern number or correspond to a particular cooking surface on a stove the pan might've been sold with. Unusual notches could be a maker's mark incorporated into the piece to identify the actual person who crafted it.

Some manufacturers, such as Griswold, Lodge, and Wagner, have unique characteristics that can help identify their products. For instance, Griswold skillets have italicized numerals on the bottom of the pans and the underside of their lids. Lodge skillets have a raised size number on the top of the handle or a 1" high size number at 12 o'clock. Wagner skillets have the size number incised on the top of the handle, with the descriptive size at 6 o'clock.

If your cast iron pan has a brand label, comparing its logo design and font to other pans of the same brand can help determine its age. For example, Lodge's iconic egg logo was created in 1973, so any pan with just the name "Lodge" carved into it is at least 45 years old.

Additionally, if your pan has a gate mark (a slash-like mark) on the bottom side, it is likely pre-20th century, as this mark was a by-product of older iron casting methods.

Examine the handle: real cast iron pans are made in a one-piece mould, so the handle is included in the mould, not screwed on

When it comes to determining whether your cast-iron pan is real, examining the handle can be a crucial step. Authentic cast iron pans are typically crafted using a one-piece mould, meaning the handle is seamlessly incorporated into the mould rather than being screwed on. This construction method is a hallmark of quality and safety.

The presence of a screwed-on handle may indicate that the pan is not made of genuine cast iron or is of inferior quality. Cast iron is renowned for its substantial weight, and when a pan is laden with food, a screwed-on handle could become a weak point, posing a safety hazard. Therefore, it is generally recommended to opt for a cast-iron pan with an integrated handle for both durability and peace of mind.

To identify a real cast-iron pan, it is essential to scrutinise the handle for any signs of screws or seams. A genuine cast-iron pan will showcase a seamless transition from the cooking surface to the handle, indicating that it was crafted as a unified piece. This attention to detail not only ensures structural integrity but also facilitates even heat distribution, contributing to superior cooking performance.

Additionally, the handle of a cast-iron pan can offer clues about the manufacturing process and the pan's pedigree. Some manufacturers imprint their brand name or logo on the handle, providing valuable information about the pan's origin. It is worth noting that the absence of a brand name does not necessarily indicate that the pan is not genuine cast iron, as some retailers and manufacturers opt for unmarked pans to offer lower-priced alternatives.

In summary, when examining the handle of a cast-iron pan, look for a seamless, integrated design that assures both safety and quality. A screwed-on handle may suggest a less durable construction and could detract from the overall performance and longevity of the pan. By understanding the nuances of cast-iron pan handles, you can make a more informed decision when purchasing or authenticating these versatile and long-lasting cooking implements.

Check the bottom: there should be a manufacturer's logo, often with a stock number or city

Checking the bottom of a pan is a crucial step in determining whether it is made of cast iron. Authentic cast iron pans often feature a manufacturer's logo, stock number, or city of manufacture stamped or marked on the bottom. This marking is a sign of pride for the manufacturer, and it can provide valuable information about the pan's origins.

The manufacturer's logo or insignia is typically found on the bottom of the pan and can be used to quickly identify the maker. Some of the most renowned vintage cast iron manufacturers include Griswold Manufacturing and The Vollrath Company, both founded in the late 1800s to early 1900s in the United States. The Griswold name, in particular, is synonymous with high-quality vintage cast iron, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Over time, manufacturers often change their logos, and these variations can provide insight into the age of the cast iron pan. For example, Griswold pans feature two distinct logos: an older, larger logo measuring 4 inches wide, and a newer, smaller logo that is approximately 2 inches wide. The older, larger logo is considered more valuable by collectors.

In addition to the manufacturer's logo, the bottom of a cast iron pan may also display a number, which could indicate the size or diameter of the pan. However, it is important to note that the stamped number does not always correspond directly to the pan's size in inches. This numbering system originates from the days when cast iron pans were designed to fit wood-burning stoves, and the number indicated compatibility with specific stove types.

Furthermore, the bottom of a cast iron pan may also feature pattern letters or model numbers. These markings were used to differentiate between different mould patterns as manufacturers increased their production. For instance, a "3B" pattern might differ slightly from a "3C" pattern due to variations in wear and use.

When examining the bottom of a cast iron pan, it is also worth noting that some retailers and manufacturers produce unmarked pans, similar to today's "no-name" products. These unmarked pieces are often of comparable quality to their branded counterparts and can be a great option for those seeking affordable cast iron cookware.

In summary, checking the bottom of a cast iron pan for a manufacturer's logo, stock number, or city of manufacture is a crucial step in identifying its authenticity. By examining the markings and logos, you can learn about the pan's origins, age, and even its compatibility with certain stove types. Additionally, the presence of unmarked pans can also provide insight into the retailer or manufacturer, offering a more affordable option without compromising quality.

Check the surface: a raw cast iron pan will be black or dark grey and slightly rough to the touch

When checking the surface of a cast iron pan to determine if it is real, look for a dull black or dark grey colour. The surface should be slightly rough to the touch. This is a raw cast iron pan. If the pan has been seasoned, it will be darker black and smooth to the touch.

A seasoned cast iron pan will have a protective shiny patina, a non-stick surface that has built up over time through use. This patina will protect the iron and your food.

If the surface is shiny and uncharacteristically smooth, it has a non-stick coating and is not cast iron. However, the caveat to this is enameled cast iron. Enameled cast iron will have a glossy, colourful, and smooth-to-the-touch finish. Raw cast iron will be black and matte in appearance, with a rough surface.

Cast iron pans are heavy, with a thick bottom and sides. They are long-lasting and can last for decades or even centuries if they are well-maintained.

Frequently asked questions