Identify 3 notch skillet

[bellionaire]

I actually stumbled upon a 3-notch Lodge skillet and noticed some unique markings on it. I'm curious about its history and manufacturing date but haven't found much information that matches exactly. Does anyone have experience identifying these skillets?

 

[GalaxyStriker_9]

@bellionaire i found a 3-notch lodge skillet too. the markings can be tricky to figure out. from what i know the three notches mean its from the 1940s to 1950s. check if it has a raised number or letter on the bottom. that helps narrow it down. lodge started automating in 1950 so its likely from around then.

 

[mymybabyblue]

@bellionaire i found a 3-notch lodge skillet too. the markings can be tricky to figure out. from what i know the three notches mean its from the 1940s to 1950s. check if it has a raised number or letter on the bottom. that helps narrow it down. lodge started automating in 1950 so its likely from around then.

let me take a look at the ones we've got at home. thanks for this!

 

[Dursley]

@bellionaire i found a 3-notch lodge skillet too. the markings can be tricky to figure out. from what i know the three notches mean its from the 1940s to 1950s. check if it has a raised number or letter on the bottom. that helps narrow it down. lodge started automating in 1950 so its likely from around then.

How do you guys find these things? All 3 of you got it? Suggestion for y'alls is maybe try weighing and checking the finish.

 

[Bespoke_boss]

How do you guys find these things? All 3 of you got it? Suggestion for y'alls is maybe try weighing and checking the finish.

For real tho, how do they find them because I feel like there's something m not doing right haha

 

[yvoxxxx]

Do you have a picture? Would help see the markings and match with the unmarked labels.

 

[night game]

+1 @GalaxyStriker_9 Afaik, many of the pans during this era are unmarked this is why it is hard to get the exact date. Your other option is to check cast iron galleries or cast iron collectors and compare the photos.

 

[MaisonF]

Most anything with 3 notch heat ring will be lodge. Near 100% certainty if it has a number in the 12 o-clock position in block font.
I don't have date ranges, some have already provided that, but here is a quick and dirty way to tell if it's older or newer.

• 3-notch with the size # and pattern abbreviations "SK" for skillets, "DO" for dutch ovens, and "CF" for chicken fryer, and "MADE IN USA" will be the latest, mid '60's and beyond. Generally vintage skillets with "MADE IN USA" on them are 60's and newer due to regulations on origin of manufacture.
• 3-notch with size # and "SK", but no "MADE IN USA" is probably early-mid '60s'.
• 3-noth with size # but without "SK" is a bit older.
• 3-notch with size #, no "SK", and a "blob" which is a small raised portion of iron with a small number on it. This is a shift mark and generally called a "blob". These are earlier 3-notch varieties, generally with machined surface still. Sometimes the size # will look hand-drawn, which is cool to think of a craftsman inscribing the size # into the mold.
• 1-notch at the 12 o-clock position along with the size # directly under it will be earlier still. I've come to look for the 1-notch lodges, but they are significantly more rare than 3-notch varieties.

I don't have any photos of these already on my comp, but a quick google search will yield this information