MaisonF
Active member
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2026
- Messages
- 31
I have sampled items from several of the more well known vintage foundries around the country, but there are still many that I have not owned. Mainly due to scarcity and cost. Volrath, Piqua Ware, Wapak, and Martin are a few that are really rare in Texas and that are rarely seen, and generally priced very high. For those that have ventured into the waters of vintage CI cookware, which makers do you find yourself drawn to more than others. Let's say there was a table of every available maker, which would you gravitate to first, and which would you most likely purchase for yourself?
I have just this year had a recent shift in my favorite maker, mainly due to my acquisition of two early Wagner skillets with outside heat rings. These have dethroned my BSR red mountain's as my favorite style.
Old Favorite = BSR red mountain. These were plentiful, good balance of weight, smooth interior, and unmarked which kept the prices down for a user like myself. I'm currently hunting a Red Mountain #6 to complete my mini-set of 6-10 skillets. These are my #1 pick for anyone looking for a good vintage user. They are easy to identify, affordable, durable, and have a heat ring meaning they don't spin around even of they have a slight rock.
New Favorite = Wagner with outside heat ring. I'm a sucker for the outside ring, and have recently picked up a #7 and #9 skillet from a local picker that I really like. Wagner was one of my least liked brands mainly due to the smooth bottom series and their tendency to be warped. I purchased no less than four #10 smooth bottom skillets and every one had a warp in it. Even most #8's I see tend to be warped as well. So when I discovered that Wagner had a heat ring series and they are semi-available in Texas, my loyalties shifted. They also appear to command a bit less premium than Wapak, Piqua, and other collectible vintage with outside rings, so now those are the ones I will pay more for. Griswolds I generally pass if they are priced at retail. I just don't want to compete in the Griswold market unless I find something crusty and cheap(er).
I have just this year had a recent shift in my favorite maker, mainly due to my acquisition of two early Wagner skillets with outside heat rings. These have dethroned my BSR red mountain's as my favorite style.
Old Favorite = BSR red mountain. These were plentiful, good balance of weight, smooth interior, and unmarked which kept the prices down for a user like myself. I'm currently hunting a Red Mountain #6 to complete my mini-set of 6-10 skillets. These are my #1 pick for anyone looking for a good vintage user. They are easy to identify, affordable, durable, and have a heat ring meaning they don't spin around even of they have a slight rock.
New Favorite = Wagner with outside heat ring. I'm a sucker for the outside ring, and have recently picked up a #7 and #9 skillet from a local picker that I really like. Wagner was one of my least liked brands mainly due to the smooth bottom series and their tendency to be warped. I purchased no less than four #10 smooth bottom skillets and every one had a warp in it. Even most #8's I see tend to be warped as well. So when I discovered that Wagner had a heat ring series and they are semi-available in Texas, my loyalties shifted. They also appear to command a bit less premium than Wapak, Piqua, and other collectible vintage with outside rings, so now those are the ones I will pay more for. Griswolds I generally pass if they are priced at retail. I just don't want to compete in the Griswold market unless I find something crusty and cheap(er).
