Skillet, ca. 1881-1940

Made by Wagner Mfg. Co., Sidney, OH
Cast iron

Cast iron was a widely used material for cookware until porcelain enamelwares became available in the 1870s and it is a favorite for skillets to the present day. Cast iron heated more evenly than tin or copper and was more durable. The Wagner Company introduced a special preseasoning process for its cast-iron utensils. This manufacturer applied a fine coating of pure beeswax that sealed the pores of the metal to prevent rusting and the sticking of foods.

Gift of Steve and Irene Boyer, Springfield, IL (1992.39)

Food Preparation | metal

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96