Help Identifying Larger Skillet

[Ron S.]

Hello, everyone!
New here... Great site! Wow!
Lend a hand with identifying my most recent auction find?
A large, round skillet with two tab/ear handles... 16" across the cooking surface, 18" rim-to-rim, and 20" handle-to-handle...
Sharp edges... And heavy!
Has an unusual texture on all surfaces... Almost looks like alligator skin... and has a very pronounced quai-gate mark... Pictures atta hed...
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Looking forward to contributing!
Thanks so much!

RS

 

[Scott J.]

Have picture of the full bottom? Straight on is best.

 

[Ron S.]

Thanks for replying!
I'll post one on Monday, but there are no markings whatsoever... Looks just like the cooking surface, but with a "dimple" "gatemark" in the center...
Thanks again!

 

[Scott J.]

Standard procedure is full view top, full view bottom and then details as necessary. Welcome aboard.

 

[Ron S.]

Thanks!
Sorry about that!
I'll upload it on Monday, for sure!

 

[Ron S.]

Here they are!
Straight-on top and bottom!
Thanks!
Much appreciated!

 

[Doug D.]

Doesn't really have the feel of something produced and marketed commercially by a known manufacturer. The sprue mark on the bottom is a casting technology that pre-dates the mid-19th century, but the style of the pan seems much later than that. Also worth noting is that the "alligator skin" isn't something a foundry would strive for, and is more likely an unanticipated artifact of the molten iron cooling too quickly in the sand mold. More likely is that, considering also that there are absolutely no markings, it's something made by someone with the ability to smelt iron (no easy feat), but lacking the technology (or ability) to produce a pattern with side-gating elements.

 

[SeanD]

I was going to say it may be a weird Wapak. They are known for semi shoddy castings. But I love em the same, flaws and all.

 

[Ron S.]

Thanks, Doug!

I'm located approximately 50 miles from a large and well-established Amish community in Lancaster, PA... Considering your observations about the possible manufacturer, could this be a likely origin?

 

[Ron S.]

Thanks, Sean!

I hadn't thought of Wapak... Are they known to have produced unmarked and thick/heavy pieces? The thickness of this piece is like that of a modern Lodge piece...

 

[SeanD]

All the Wapaks I have ever seen are pretty thin walled. Maybe it did come from the Amish? I live in PA too....they are a hardy bunch.

 

[Doug D.]

Never seen anything to indicate Wapak made unmarked, or that they cast pieces with a sprue mark.

 

[Ron S.]

Thanks!
"Mystery Hotel Skillet", then?