What is this piece with lid?

mushka

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Joined
Oct 5, 2025
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Had it for a long time. Cast iron that is 16" long by 6" wide and 4" deep. Has a lid that fits perfectly and can be used as a griddle. both the main piece and the lid have handles that are casted as part of the whole item. The only stampings are TAIWAN with the letters O L under the Taiwan. I guess it could be for baking, or stews, or soups. I don't know. Anybody have any idea about this odd piece?
 
That's called a "bread baker" or a "lovecast iron loaf pan." The dimensions, 16x6 in are perfect for a long, narrow loaf of bread, often called a batard or a small baguette, but that shape is also great for baking meatloaf. It says "TAIWAN" and has a smaller mark underneath, I'm guessing it is likely an import from the 1970s or 1980s, it has a lot of good quality but unmarked cast iron came from that area then, and the O L mark is probably just a foundry or factory identifier that is very hard to trace now since many of those companies did not have a strong brand identity.
 
yvo I thank you for your response. Because of it's shape I thought it was something that you alluded to but wasn't sure. Now to get the rust off and try to make something in it. The lid when turned upside down looks like it would be a good griddle. Again, thank you.
 
Afaik, this is made in Taiwan and was exported to the US. The US required labeling in the 1960s from the country of origin. As for the value, it might be around $30 to $90 depending on size and condition. What collectors want is a recognizable brand and trademark which your current cast iron does not have.
 
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