Please help ID gate marked pan

[Tracey_B]

Piece is round like a skillet but more flat (like something you'd cook a grilled cheese on). There is a raised "8" on the top of the handle, a very pronounced, unnotched inset heat ring on the bottom and gate marked on the bottom in the center. Inside the heat ring it is very pitted, but outside the heat ring is not. It is iron--I did the magnet test. Could this be a piece that was used in a hole of a coal- or wood-burning stove? Thanks for any help.

 

[Doug D.]

Your assumptions are all correct. Although gatemarked pieces are rarely identifiable unless they have an actual foundry name or initials on them. In terms of more modern CI cookware, yours would be called an old style griddle.

 

[Tracey_B]

Thanks, Doug. So pre-1890 then? I spent all day cleaning it up. It's in the oven seasoning now. Very excited to use it.

 

[Doug D.]

Most likely around then or a little before.