Need Help with Skillet ID

[TDBiles]

Hello,

We purchased this skillet yesterday. We're new to cast iron collecting, and haven't seen a handle like this one has. We're hoping you'll share some information and/or thoughts on it.

During cleaning we noticed that it has a crack. Even with the crack it's become my favorite for several reasons.
-Looking at the heat ring, you can see were it's been wore down due to use.
-Looking at the sides, the way it has wear marks, it's spent some time sitting on a wood stove.
-I can imagine the stories this skillet could tell if it could talk.

Below is a link to a Picasa album.

https://plus.google.com/photos/1123...s/5982192472816910433?authkey=CLLO5cWltPa6mAE

Also the pictures were taken after cleaning, and before any seasoning.

Thanks

 

[Doug D.]

Those old bottom gatemarked pans we'll likely never know who made. Whereabouts, perhaps by the style sometimes. That handle design might have been patented, IIRC, but not by a foundry.

Or I'm thinking of this, which is similar: http://www.google.com/patents/US216346?printsec=drawing#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

[TDBiles]

Appreciate the information Doug. We'll season it, and try to give it some more useful life.

Doug, I wish I had a 1/3 of your knowledge and experience with cast iron.

Thanks!

---------- Post added at 06:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:42 PM ----------

Just took a gander at the patent information link. It's very similar to the mystery skillet. Including the way spouts run to the bottom, inset heat ring, and the 4-slotted handle. Maybe it's a variation of that one.

Again, many Thanks!