Gate mark skillet

What is it ? I picked this up this morning at the flea. I am new at this and not at all skilled in identifying a pan unless it has a name on it. Just from what I've read if it has a gate mark it is old (probably before 1900). This is a really nice skillet albeit very rusty. Are CI items like other collectibles -guns, cars and such whereas it's best to leave them as is most times ? I got this with another small skillet which has no name either,only a patent # any help is appreciated. Thx

Are CI items like other collectibles -guns, cars and such whereas it's best to leave them as is most times ?

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Nope, unless it's brand new, still has the label on it. (I doubt this one ever had a label). I would clean it up and use it.

The "Early American Cast Iron Holloware 1645-1900: Pots, Kettles, Teakettles, and Skillets" Book might have something about this piece in it, I don't know, as I don't own the book.

Thk U Rick just didn't want to hurt any potential value. It will go in the oven with the rest of My haul.

i just found one almost exact like yours except mine has a D at top and a H 0n bottom with the line in the middle just like yours.(marks are on bottom of pan no doubt)curious also
Also when they say 6 oclock is that the handle?

Brad M said:

Also when they say 6 oclock is that the handle?

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Yes, So holding a pan up by the handle with pan up in the air, most pans (not all) if they're marked, have company name at 12, or middle, and size etc, at 6.