Help with ID of this Spider Skillet

[DYonts]

Picked this guy up today and need some help. THe handle looks like a Martin to me but I am not sure. I have been told that it is circa 1870-1880’s. Can someone help me with this? TIA https://www.flickr.com/photos/100687383@N04/shares/pL69967J91

 

[Doug D.]

The age range estimate sounds plausible, but Martin wasn't in business until 1917, and I'm not really seeing the connection re: the handle. Nor have I ever seen anything by them bottom gated.

 

[DYonts]

Okay, did King make them gated? Looking for a direction on this. Was hoping someone might have an idea

 

[Doug D.]

KS&R only dates from 1905, so doubtful it would have been theirs, either.

 

[DYonts]

So you really don’t have any clues you can offer?

 

[Doug D.]

Generally speaking, unmarked, bottom gated pieces are rarely identifiable as to maker. Whatever the raised area opposite the handle is, if indeed an intentional marking, is not recognizable. What about it led you to connect Martin?

 

[DYonts]

Myself and one other just saw the shape of the handle

 

[Doug D.]

Variations of the "excavated" top of the handle, with the groove following the perimeter around the hanging hole, either with or without a size number in bas relief, were a not-uncommon 19th-century handle style.