Favorite Piqua Ware ??

[Jim_L]

First a couple of general questions.
Yeah, I'm new to cast iron , ummm, I really don't want to say "collecting", let's say appreciation.
So here goes.
Does the weight, or thickness of the cast iron in a skillet or pan directly relate to the quality of the piece ?
Also, is there a tried and true way to un-warp a skillet ?

Now, to the posts title.
I got three Favorite Piqua Ware skillets at an auction, for free basically.
They were in a box with some aluminum pans that my wife wanted, so I figure what else was in the box was just icing on the cake.
Anyway, are Favorite pans considered to be well made ?
They seem to be to me, but like I said, I'm new to this.

Lets see if I can post a picture,

[/URL][/IMG]
Obviously just a light cleaning, but seem to be in good condition.

---------- Post added at 10:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:24 AM ----------

Oh, by the way, there is a #3 a #5 and a #8.

 

[Doug D.]

Older hand poured pieces are typically thinner and lighter than later, automated molding line pieces. There are pros and cons to both. The lighter pans react more quickly to changes in heat; the heavier retain acquired heat better and longer. Each quality has its benefits in a given situation. The older lighter pans must be heated and cooled more gently to avoid warping and cracking, as once warped, there is no way to unwarp.

Favorite Piqua Ware, made from 1916 to 1934, are of quality on par with Wagner and others of the period, perhaps even better than some.

http://www.castironcollector.com/favorite.php

 

[Jim_L]

Thanks Doug.
These don't seem to be warped, but I have a couple of skillets that are.
Sorry to hear that they can't be fixed.

 

[John E]

I feel like the Favorites are the lightest of the vintage makers, although I don't have any hard data to back that up. Doug would probably know off the top of his head exactly how much pieces of all makes weigh, he is that good

I like to use them for eggs, since the lower mass responds more quickly to heat adjustment and eggs are finicky like that.

 

[RickC]

I feel like the Favorites are the lightest of the vintage makers, although I don't have any hard data to back that up.

I've actually thought about recording the weights of all my pans as I pick them up. I do know that as I've been picking up older and older pieces they are lighter and lighter. That much I can tell just by picking them up.