1910-20's Chicago Hardware Foundry #5 Cast Iron Diamond Skillet with Heat Ring. Our favorite foundry story, restored & ready to use!
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See our complete catalog at www.castandclarabell.com!
So if you‘re cruising through skillets to decide which to choose and looking for a great story to tell to admirers of your antique cast iron, this is the skillet for you. Chicago Hardware Foundry was only around for a few decades in total, first being owned independently, and then going out of business with its patterns purchased by The Favorite Foundry. The best part of their story is unfortunately their demise. In the late 30‘s, during the Great Depression, there was a labor dispute and CHF‘s workers went on strike. A riot broke out on the premises, and subsequently a fire broke out, burning the facility to the ground and permanently ending CHF‘s production.
CHF‘s diamond skillets are the earliest versions of the foundry‘s hardware. The diamonds were the only markings on their skillet, but they are a defining part of their history. The CHF skillets have some weight to them, providing an even heat and cooking surface. THIS skillet does not sit flat and spins on glass so it is best used for gas and electric coil tops.
- 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
www.castandclarabell.com
Cast And Clara Bell sells fully restored cast iron cookware, bakeware, dutch oven, griddles, sad irons, bailed griddles, gem pans, muffin pans, kettles, skillets, trivets, lids and much more! Brands like Griswold, Wagner, Sidney, WagnerWare, Wapak, Lodge, Favorite Piqua, Marietta, Orr and Painter, Erie, Griswolds Erie, Gate marked unknown, Birmingham Stove and Range, Vollrath, Chicago Hardware Foundry, CHF, Martin Stove and Range and Specialty pieces are organized into categories. We sell Collector‘s pieces, every day users and everything in between!
So if you‘re cruising through skillets to decide which to choose and looking for a great story to tell to admirers of your antique cast iron, this is the skillet for you. Chicago Hardware Foundry was only around for a few decades in total, first being owned independently, and then going out of business with its patterns purchased by The Favorite Foundry. The best part of their story is unfortunately their demise. In the late 30‘s, during the Great Depression, there was a labor dispute and CHF‘s workers went on strike. A riot broke out on the premises, and subsequently a fire broke out, burning the facility to the ground and permanently ending CHF‘s production.
CHF‘s diamond skillets are the earliest versions of the foundry‘s hardware. The diamonds were the only markings on their skillet, but they are a defining part of their history. The CHF skillets have some weight to them, providing an even heat and cooking surface. THIS skillet does not sit flat and spins on glass so it is best used for gas and electric coil tops.
- 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
www.castandclarabell.com
Cast And Clara Bell sells fully restored cast iron cookware, bakeware, dutch oven, griddles, sad irons, bailed griddles, gem pans, muffin pans, kettles, skillets, trivets, lids and much more! Brands like Griswold, Wagner, Sidney, WagnerWare, Wapak, Lodge, Favorite Piqua, Marietta, Orr and Painter, Erie, Griswolds Erie, Gate marked unknown, Birmingham Stove and Range, Vollrath, Chicago Hardware Foundry, CHF, Martin Stove and Range and Specialty pieces are organized into categories. We sell Collector‘s pieces, every day users and everything in between!
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.
1910-20's Chicago Hardware Foundry #5 Cast Iron Diamond Skillet with Heat Ring. Our favorite foundry story, restored & ready to use!
