Wapak Questions...

[Dan B]

Hi All,

I have come across a Wapak 7 pan for sale online. I hope the picture below helps (it is small). It is a Wapak "Block" series as shown in the Trademarks & Logos section of this site.

What is causing me to have questions is that the number 783 and an "H" beside the large 7 is also cast into the bottom. Such markings do not show in the Trademarks & Logos pictures for any Wapak. so,

My questions:

1. Would this be a function of "ghost marks"?
2. If ghost marks - does this diminish the value/collectibility of the pan?

Thanks

 

[Kyle S.]

They are from old Griswold molds and would be considered Ghost Marks. No effect on the value that I know of. It is just a glimpse of cast iron history and practices. Hopes this helps.

 

[Doug D.]

They are the result of Wapak using a Griswold skillet as the basis for their own pattern (not mold). That the marks from their competitor's pan started to show in their castings was apparently of little concern at the time. From Griswold's earlier markings showing as ghosts in their own pans we know the maker wrung every last bit of usage from the expensive-to-create patterns, so the idea of a maker selling "obsolete" actual patterns to another is unlikely (not to mention bad business sense).