Seeking Advise on Gate Marked Skillet and What to do With it.... Photos Attached

K

KevinEwing

New member
Newbie here.
Recently took an interest in electrolysis.
Picked up this old, shallow No 7 gate marked cast iron skillet.
Is there a way to identify the make and manufacturer?
Is it better left in its original state, or can I strip it and re-season it?
Any advise from you seasoned professionals would be most welcome!
 

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Welcome the wonderful world on restoring cast iron. Starting of on the right foot with an early gate marked skillet. 99% of the time with no name on the piece and also no known identifying marks, the maker is lost to history.

But the good thing is you now have a chance to save a piece of history, and put it back into use.

As far as cleaning, myself I strip and season each and every piece that touches my hands. You do not know it past and what it was used for, maybe a dog food bowl or worse.

I have had the same style handle in the past. Now the fun starts.
 
Thanks for the support cast iron clan!
Much appreciated.
One more thing...
So, any idea how old this skillet might be?
 
Update!
The shallow gate-marked skillet has been through the electrolysis process and emerged clean and ready for seasoning.
After pictures provided below...
I am satisfied with initial results, although some pitting on the cooking surface.
Currently undergoing the initial re-seasoning.
Thanks for your encouragement. Would like to give this the fried egg test.
 

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SeanD thanks for the tip!
Knowing the rough age of this piece is both interesting and inspirational.
It has quickly become my go-to breakfast skillet.
 
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