Plated Piqua ware

[Sol.ana]

Picked up what looks like a plated piqua ware skillet at a local flea market last tuesday, I wasn't looking and I didn't even know they made plated pieces until I saw this one up close, it has the classic piqua logo, but the interior has a silvery sheen like nickel or chrome plating, pretty sure it's original and not some backyard job....or not, but I haven't seen many confirmed examples out there, who has seen a plated piqua here and will the plating affect how one can use it?
Would love to see pics if others have one

 

[T1GER]

Great find! Piqua did make some plated pieces, though theyre not that common. If the finish looks smooth and even, its probably original and not a backyard job. You can still use it sure, just avoid super high heat or anything abrasive since the plating can wear down. It won't season like bare cast iron, but it's great for light cooking or display.

 

[GriddleGremlin]

Nice score. Those pieces are definitely not something you come across every day! I remember stumbling upon a nickel-plated Griswold at a flea market years ago, and it had that same shiny look. The plating won't impact how it works; just steer clear of acidic foods and aggressive scrubbing to keep it in good shape. I'd still use it if the plating looks good. Just wondering, does yours have any wear marks, or is it in great condition all over?

 

[ssnr4125]

Picked up what looks like a plated piqua ware skillet at a local flea market last tuesday, I wasn't looking and I didn't even know they made plated pieces until I saw this one up close, it has the classic piqua logo, but the interior has a silvery sheen like nickel or chrome plating, pretty sure it's original and not some backyard job....or not, but I haven't seen many confirmed examples out there, who has seen a plated piqua here and will the plating affect how one can use it?
Would love to see pics if others have one

Also a fan of flea markets and yard sales here. It's been surprisingly nice to discover such interesting finds! It's not so common to see plated Piqua Ware so you're lucky if what you found is original!

It's typically food-safe if it's nickel or chrome plating but I think the main concern would be the integrity of the plating itself. If there are any chips, cracks, or flaking, you wouldn't want those particles getting into your food. Also, harsh scrubbing or abrasive cleaners could damage the plating.

Are you really keen on using it? It might be more of a collector's piece, rather than an everyday workhorse like unplated cast iron?

 

[charli3do3s]

Picked up what looks like a plated piqua ware skillet at a local flea market last tuesday, I wasn't looking and I didn't even know they made plated pieces until I saw this one up close, it has the classic piqua logo, but the interior has a silvery sheen like nickel or chrome plating, pretty sure it's original and not some backyard job....or not, but I haven't seen many confirmed examples out there, who has seen a plated piqua here and will the plating affect how one can use it?
Would love to see pics if others have one

Wow, I'd say finding a plating Piqua is like seeing a unicorn!
I've only ever seen maybe two or three confirmed examples myself, and they're always a treat.
The plating was definitely an original finish, not a modern hack.
Piqua was known for being a bit experimental with their finishes in the late 19th and early 20th century.
You see a lot of their enameled stuff, which is cool in its own right, but the plated pieces are entirely different!
It was a premium finish, usually a thin layer of nickel or more rarely, silver plating, meant to give it a more "modern" and sanitary look for the kitchen.
You'd want to be a bit gentle with it, and treat it like you would a good enamel piece!
Abrasive cleaners and metal utensils will scratch and eventually wear through that plating.
You can still cook in it, but don't scrub it with steel wool or sear a steak on high heat, as that can cause the plating to flake.
But honestly, it should be a beautiful collector's piece by now!

 

[crispycrustking]

I couldn't agree more! Those plated Piquas are like little treasures, and that finish is something you really want to treat with care.