Finish on Wagner No. 8 handle

[gentleGIANT]

I just picked up a fantastic Wagner No. 8 with the "Stylized Logo" and no heat ring. Super flat, doesn't wobble at all, and the cooking surface is great.

But I'm wondering about the handle's finish. The pan itself looks like bare iron and seasons nicely, but the handle has bits of what seems like plating left on it. Did this skillet start out as a fully plated piece, and most of the finish just wore off everywhere except the handle? Or maybe the handle was treated differently than the rest of the pan?

I even wonder if a plated handle was swapped on, or if the original handle was silvered on the inside and that just rubbed away over time. Any tips on identifying old Wagner finishes?

 

[Alan]

They weren't doing plating anymore that time, I think? But take note that unseasoned bare cast iron is silvery gray and not black.

 

[Greyh0und]

@gentleGIANT if you're not really sure, try gently cleaning a small, inconspicuous area to check if you have bare iron or a plated finish underneath the existing seasoning
Always use caution when restoring, especially with potentially plated items, cause harsh methods can damage the plating