Unknown Foundry! #5 Raised Skillet with Heat Ring. An Awesome sauce pan! Restored and Ready to Use.
So what exactly is an "unknown" skillet? You‘ll hear and see this term often when searching for vintage and antique cast iron because for all intents and purposes, many foundries back in the early 1900‘s were local producers for folks within an easy travel distance. Think about it, before there were malls, and Amazon and Etsy, you bought what was produced close to you! So there were countless small foundries across the United States that would pour cast iron pieces so folks could cook with them. Many patterns were too expensive or impossible to get, so many productions from those times had not logo‘s, no markings to trace them, and many were reproduced using an original skillet, so the reproductions are slightly smaller than their models.
This pan looks, handles and cooks JUST like the earliest Lodge raised number skillets and serves as a WONDERFUL addition to your kitchen. It‘s VERY close to the Lodge original but is slightly smaller than the single notch Lodge so we will call this an unknown #5. It sits FLAT and does not spin, and its fully restored by us and seasoned with our oil mix. Dont mistake its cost for lack of quality. Its a fantastic one to own!
- DISCLAIMER: We have prepared this piece to be ready to use or displayed in a collection. All pieces are vintage and therefore are not in perfect condition. Please use the photos as description. History of use means these pieces will have small marks and inconsistencies which we feel give them special charm. All items are sold as is and we have done our best to present them as such. Please review all pictures and ask for further clarification if needed. Thank you! - CastandClaraBell
Vintage Materials Notice
Cast & Clara Bell specializes in the sourcing and restoration of vintage and antique cast iron cookware manufactured primarily between the late 1800s and mid-1900s. These items were produced prior to modern material standards, testing protocols, and regulatory disclosures.
While all cookware sold by Cast & Clara Bell is professionally cleaned, restored, and seasoned for traditional cooking use, we do not perform laboratory-based material testing for trace elements or residues, nor do we make representations regarding the presence or absence of any specific substances.
Customers acknowledge that independent consumer testing methods may produce inconsistent or unreliable results and agree that purchasing decisions are not based on any implied guarantee regarding material composition beyond the functional use of the cookware as restored.
By purchasing vintage cookware from Cast & Clara Bell, the buyer assumes responsibility for any independent testing performed after purchase and agrees that Cast & Clara Bell shall not be held liable for the interpretation or outcome of such testing.
Cast Iron Skillet Size Guide: What Size Do You Need?
One of the most common questions we get is: What size skillet should I buy? Whether you're frying an egg or searing a full roast, choosing the right size is key to a great cooking experience.
Note: These sizes are general estimates and can vary by brand. For exact dimensions, always check the product photos and description on each listing.
🔍 Skillet Size Comparison
| Skillet Size | Approx. Diameter | Recommended For | Rarity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5 inches | Frying eggs, small sides | VERY Hard to Find | 💲💲💲💲💲 |
| 3 | 6 inches | Frying eggs, small sides | No | 💲 |
| 4 | 6 inches | Frying eggs, small sides | Somewhat | 💲💲💲 |
| 5 | 7 inches | Side dishes, sautéing, single grilled cheese | No | 💲💲 |
| 6 | 8 inches | Side dishes, sautéing, omelets | No | 💲 |
| 7 | 9 inches | Side dishes, sautéing, omelets | Somewhat | 💲💲 |
| 8 | 10 inches | Proteins, stir-frys, larger side dishes | No | 💲 |
| 9 | 11 inches | Proteins, stir-frys, larger side dishes | Somewhat | 💲💲 |
| 10 | 12 inches | Proteins, stir-frys, larger side dishes | Somewhat | 💲💲💲 |
| 11 | 13 inches | Proteins, stir-frys, larger side dishes | Yes | 💲💲💲💲💲 |
| 12 | 14 inches | Large proteins, full pound of bacon, etc. | Yes | 💲💲💲💲💲 |
| 13 | 15 inches | Large proteins, full pound of bacon, big batch meals | VERY Hard to Find | 💲💲💲💲💲💲💲 |
| 14 | 16 inches | Large proteins, full pound of bacon, crowd cooking | Yes | 💲💲💲💲 |
🛠️ Buying Tips
- New to cast iron? Start with a size 8–10. They're versatile and great for daily cooking.
- Cooking for a crowd? Sizes 12–14 will feed everyone with room to spare.
- Have a glass cooktop? Look for listings marked "sits flat" — full contact is key.
- Looking to collect? Sizes 2, 11, 12, and 13 are rare and can be prized additions to a collection.
Still not sure which one’s right for you? Reach out anytime. We love helping folks find the perfect piece. Or dive deeper by reading more on our Cast & Clara Bell Blog.
