What is a "hammered ugly" #3 cast iron egg skillet? Maker Unknown, great for eggs! SC24
If you‘ve ever owned a hammered vintage piece, you know that the finish is hard to beat. Many of the big names made unmarked CI pieces for department stores, and the hammered finish remains incredibly popular. This particular skillet is called a "hammered ugly" pattern from the way it was roughly indented to show the design. These are unknown in origin but they were made in sizes 3,5,8, dutch oven #8 and a chicken fryer with lid. Very cool and very mysterious! It does not sit flat so best for gas or electric coil stoves.
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. Their history of use means small marks and inconsistencies, including residual carbon, which we feel give them a 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! - Cast & Clara Bell
Cast & Clara Bell sells fully restored cast iron cookware, bakeware, dutch ovens, 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 & Painter, Erie, Griswold‘s Erie, Birmingham Stove & Range, Vollrath, Chicago Hardware Foundry, CHF, Martin Stove & Range as well as gatemarked unknown and specialty pieces are organized into categories. We offer collector‘s pieces, everyday users, and everything in between!
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.
