Untitled Document

(Return to "Antiques and Collectables" page)

Old American Cast Iron Muffin Pan

circa 1890

A note from Geoff on Thursday 24th May 2007

The above Auction House conduct auctions in Cairns two or three times a year
......and we go to them all!!!

The latest was on Sunday 20th May, so along we went

Lots of things that Sharon "wanted" - but not much she really "needed"
......but she spotted this - and had to have it!!!

She has a cast iron frypan, and wouldn't use anything else
Muffins are baked at least once a week here,
and the dish has been a 'plain-boring-sheet-steel' one
This one in cast iron - well, this was a "must have"!!!

This was item #359 of eight-hundred-and-eighty items up for auction
Finally, it came around
The auctioneer held it up and started the bidding
......but no-one was going to beat Sharon - it is now hers!!!

***************************************************************

A few Details and Photos

Manufacturer - unknown and see below

Age - circa 1890 as per the auction catalogue

Size - 11.25 inches long x 7.625 inches wide x 1.5 inches deep
(285mm x 195mm x 38mm)

Weight - 4 pounds 10 ounces
(2.1 kilogram)

The price paid - $27.75 including the auction premium of 11%

******************************************

As you can see, there is a bit of surface rust on the pan
Sharon wanted it and bought it
so she has the job of removing this before it can be used!!!

Here is one method
Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours
Now this will depend on each piece, BUT remember vinegar is an acid and acids EAT metal
You will ruin your piece if you let it in the bath too long
Remove from vinegar solution, rinse and rub/brush to determine if rust has been removed
Repeat vinegar bath if required
Once complete, wash the piece in dishwashing soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly
Dry, and you can speed the drying by placing in the oven at 200°F
Apply mineral oil, generously, completely coating the item
Let stand overnight
Wipe off excess oil with paper towel and buff with a soft cloth
(the above rust removal method is from THIS PAGE)

......and the back also needs a bit of cleaning

***************************************************************

Photos taken after the Cleaning

Perfect!!! - and ready for chocolate muffins!!!

***************************************************************

Cast Iron Manufacturers and Information Links

CLICK HERE

Manufacturer - Griswold

CLICK HERE

Manufacturer - Lodge

CLICK HERE

Cleaning and Care of Cast Iron

***************************************************************

Backstamps and Markings

"MADE---IN---USA"

No maker's mark, unless the "B" stands for one - ???

***************************************************************

- Ebay Auctions for similar Pans

......for a price comparison!!!

*****************************************

Auction #01

This pan has exactly the same "Made in USA" and the letter "B" markings as ours
But also has the Wagner Ware and Griswold maker's marks
The finger holes are also the same

Vintage Griswold Cast Iron Muffin Pan
I am selling a very nice cast iron muffin tray
It is marked on the back Griswold and Wagner Ware
The pictures should say the rest
You can still use it, or just hang it on the wall for a great display
Located in Brooklyn, New York
Listed on Monday 14th May 2007
Selling price - $48.65

*****************************************

Auction #02

Another one that looks exactly the same as ours
The seller mentions it does not have any markings

Vintage Cast Iron Muffin Pan
It is in excellent condition
There are eleven muffin holes
The pan does not have any markings
It is 11 inches long and 7.75 inches wide
Item location - Pennsylvania United States
This auction ended on Thursday 17th May 2007
The starting price was set at $10.90 and there was one bid during the auction
The final selling price was $10.90

*****************************************

Auction #03

This one is included just for interest sake
It does not have the straight sides or the finger holes that ours has

Vintage Cast Iron Muffin Pan
In very good vintage condition with no chips
There are eleven sections and these are very deep at 2 inches
It has a maker's mark as shown in the photos
The pan is 11 inches long and 7.5 inches wide
Item location - New Iberia, Louisiana United States
This auction ended on Friday 25th May 2007
The starting price was set at $24.30
There were no bids

*****************************************

Auction #04

Another one that is included just for interest sake
It does not have the straight sides and has a lot more markings than ours has

Vintage Cast Iron Griswold Muffin Pan
In very nice condition
Has only been lightly used
The pan is marked "No10 Griswold Erie PA USA 948"
Item location - Hutchinson, Kansas United States
This auction ended on Thursday 24th May 2007
The starting price was set at $12.15 and there were fifteen bids during the auction
The final selling price was $73.25

*****************************************

Auction #05

Another similar pan
It does not have finger holes or the "Made in USA" markings
but it does have the maker's details

Vintage Wagner Ware Muffin Pan
You are bidding on this nice old Wagner Ware muffin pan
It is in excellent condition with no cracks or breaks
Pan holds eleven muffins
The pan is bottom stamped Wagner Ware with the number 1423 at top middle
and the number 1337 at bottom middle and there is an "S" in the center
It is a nice old cast iron pan
Item location - Saint Cloud, Minnesota United States
This auction ended on Saturday 26th May 2007
The starting price was set at 9.70 and there was one bid during the auction
The final selling price was $9.70