Unknown #15

S.Montreuil

New member
Hi! I acquired this pan a friend was getting rid of it
It it highly unusual. (At least in my collecting experience) . Its Marked #15 on the handle, no other #'s or name. The heat ring is solid, 360 degrees. The thing weights at least 20 lbs. Diameter is 15 inches. It's not as old as the previous owner thought but I found it t intriguing. Any and all input is welcome. Manufacturer? Age?
 

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#15 would be an unusual nominal size. This appears to be a recast of a #16 that has been seen before, but with no indication as to maker. Intact original versions have a wood and wire bail assist handle attached to the post opposite the handle.
 
I've seen the 16 before... seems to usually be referred to as a 'prison made' pan... not sure I know much more than that.
 
Prison Made, that's interesting. I was told that it was purchased "in the south", I'm not sure what she meant by that. I have collected in 5-6 midwestern states and never seen anything like it before. It does have an excessive amount of grind marks. I will attempt to do some prison research, I do know that many prisons did have prisoners produce products for resale (years ago).Thanks for the info.
 
Here is the cleaned number, it is definitely a recast, poor quality number/size. After I removed most of the rust....it appears to have been painted white. I wonder if it was used for a restaurant advertising piece?
 

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The raised lettering to me says something added to the mold just prior to casting, as opposed to incised marks which would be in the pattern. I'd say Southern used the unknown 16 as the basis for their pattern, as opposed to those without their name being unmarked versions made by them.
 
do you suppose these had a bail or something... given the odd shape of the 'helper handle'. I've seen one of these in person... its a beast...
 
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