Gorgeous, unique and hard to find! Early 1900's Wagner Ware #5 A, Arc Straight logo cast iron saute skillet. Beautiful piece of history
Wagner Ware, made in Sidney Ohio, was known for their amazingly light and smooth cast iron cookware, and this #5 pan is a great example! Perfect for sides and saute‘s like asparagus and summer veggies. It has been stripped using a lye bath and electrolysis, and has been seasoned 3 times with our organic beef tallow. This is one of the earliest sets made by Wagner. Don‘t miss out on this rarity, it sits flat and does not spin! Rare for a Wagner!
– The Cast & Clara Bell Promise –
This piece has been carefully restored and is ready for use or display. As with all vintage items, it may show signs of age—small marks, surface inconsistencies, or minor imperfections that reflect its history and add to its unique character. Please review all photos closely, as they are part of the description. All items are sold as-is, and we’ve done our best to present them accurately. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help—just send us a message. Thank you for supporting Cast & Clara Bell!
About Cast & Clara Bell:
We specialize in fully restored vintage cast iron cookware, bakeware, and kitchenware—including skillets, dutch ovens, gem pans, muffin pans, bailed griddles, kettles, trivets, lids, sad irons, and more. Our curated collection features brands like Griswold, Wagner, Sidney, WagnerWare, Wapak, Lodge, Favorite Piqua, Erie, Griswold’s Erie, Birmingham Stove & Range, Vollrath, Martin Stove & Range, Chicago Hardware Foundry (CHF), Marietta, Orr & Painter, and many rare gatemarked or specialty pieces. Whether you’re a serious collector or looking for a daily user, our shop offers timeless cast iron for every kitchen.
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.









