A #5 3 notch lodge

[iron caster]

Picked up a #5 Lodge skillet at a market this weekend and it has the 3 notch heat ring and no made in USA stamp, so I'm guessing it's pre 60s, right anyone? it's in pretty solid shape by the way, just a bit of surface rust and some old seasoning to strip, read somewhere once that the 3 notch versions are kind of a transitional piece for Lodge, but is there anything special about the #5s in particular? #8s get all the love, but this little guy feels great in the hand and sits dead flat on the glass top, what more could an old fashioned cultured man ask for

 

[flashydashy]

Yup, you're right about the pre 1960 and the 3 rings means it's probably 50s or maybe 40s, not qute sure. The 8 gets all the love but it's not perfect if you ask me. The 5 is great for single servings, plus it's lighter and easier to handle. It's notlike you can't cook for two or more people, but you won't be able to do it in a single session.

 

[charli3do3s]

Picked up a #5 Lodge skillet at a market this weekend and it has the 3 notch heat ring and no made in USA stamp, so I'm guessing it's pre 60s, right anyone? it's in pretty solid shape by the way, just a bit of surface rust and some old seasoning to strip, read somewhere once that the 3 notch versions are kind of a transitional piece for Lodge, but is there anything special about the #5s in particular? #8s get all the love, but this little guy feels great in the hand and sits dead flat on the glass top, what more could an old fashioned cultured man ask for

Nice, that's a good vintage find!
You're spot on, those descriptions generally place it in the 1930s - 1950s era.
It's definitely a transitional piece from when Lodge was refining its designs.
I agree with @flashydashy, #5 was preferred more for single servings, sides, or even baking smaller items like cornbread!
It's good that it still sits flat on your glass top as warping can be an issue with vintage cast iron!

 

[SweetAndSpicy]

#8s get all the love, but this little guy feels great in the hand and sits dead flat on the glass top,

agree with this. a #5 is an excellent pan for a single person or for making side dishes. The fact that it sits dead flat on a glass-top stove is a huge win.
A lot of old cast iron is warped, so finding a flat one is what collectors look for. You've got a solid, usable piece of history right there.