Gate Mark or not on ERIE skillet

[Adam C]

Does this look like a gate mark or recast of an ERIE skillet? seller says that the "mark" is smooth and may not be a Gate Mark and is original.

[Doug D.]

If not raised at all and no grinding marks around it, it would appear to be a sand shift in the mold it was cast from. Yours is a 1st series Erie. The phenomenon is seen up through even Slant EPU series Griswolds.

[Adam C]

Thanks Doug! what would you consider the value to be?

[Doug D.]

Hard to say without seeing cooking surface or examining for warp or cracks. eBay recently sold listings are a good guide for current values.

[Adam C]

new pic

[Doug D.]

Not bad, apparently, for 130 yrs. old. Still no conclusion as to warp or crack, though.

[SeanD]

I have a Wapak #9 with a sand shift that looks like a gate mark.....I learned that from this site.

[SeanD]

Sorry for the bad pic.

[Adam C]

Thanks for info Doug D and Sean D. I decided to pull the trigger on this pan. I received it and upon inspection it appears to be a smooth sand shift and is in very good condition for its age with only minor surface rust and petina on the walls and handle.

[SeanD]

From the pics it looks like a solid purchase. It may clean up with an SOS pad. The ERIE and the 9 are nice and crisp, and that sure looks like a sand shift. Nice pan!