Identifying Unmarked Cast Iron Cookware: A Collector's Guide
This article delves into the identification of unmarked cast iron cookware, focusing on 20th-century pieces. Many unmarked pieces weren't necessarily makerless, but rather a result of marketing strategies or the practices of smaller foundries. The guide details the characteristics of unmarked cast iron from manufacturers like Birmingham Stove & Range Co., Chicago Hardware Foundry, Lodge Manufacturing Co., Griswold Manufacturing Co., Wagner Manufacturing Co., and Vollrath Manufacturing Co., providing valuable information for collectors. While tracing the origins of many 19th-century and older pieces is difficult, observing casting marks, handle designs, and lid features can provide clues. The article also highlights several enigmatic unmarked pans, adding to the intrigue.