Identifying Unmarked Iron

Summary

Identifying Unmarked Iron Preface Before we start, it's important to note that what collectors call "unmarked" ware does not necessarily pertain to just any piece which simply has no markings. Many small foundries of the 18th and 19th centuries put no markings as to maker on their pieces. Perhaps they only served a small market, everyone they supplied knew the maker, and that was sufficient. It is likely that much of what those small foundries made was the result of copying other makers' wares, and who made what and copied from whom was better left unspoken. The identification of older unmarked pieces, particularly those with bottom gate marks, remains one of the most-often-asked questions in vintage cast iron cookware collecting. Sadly, the answer is almost always, "We'll never know." But there is a category of unmarked pieces that we can identify, so let's continue with those. Unmarked 20th Century Cast Iron Part of the allure of vintage cast iron cookware, besides the fineness of the castings, are the unique trademarks and detail work the foundries of the past cast into each piece they produced. Pattern makers were both skilled craftsmen and artists, in some cases even carving small, unique figures ("maker's marks") into their work to identify themselves. There are instances, however, where the parentage of some 20th century cast iron ware seems mysteriously unclear. Much of what's known to collectors as "unmarked" cast iron has quite a bit to do with marketing. In addition to store brands, like those made for companies such as Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward, several major foundries produced unmarked versions of their goods for sale in hardware, department, and building supply stores. As such, these no-name pieces could be sold at a lower price without sacrificing the brand image and value of their main product lines. Product differentiation in the various channels was achieved by the use of paper labels affixed to the unmarked iron. A couple of manufacturers ...