Favorite Piqua Ware | Skillet | No. 5 | Smiley Logo | Pattern B

Favorite Stove & Range Co. | Piqua, Ohio | c. 1916–1934 | SSC Museum Collection

★ AUTHENTICATED SMILEY LOGO — LESS COMMON SIZE ★

Overview

This is an authenticated Favorite Piqua Ware No. 5 Skillet featuring the famous "Smiley" Logo — the most recognized and beloved marking from the Favorite Stove & Range Company of Piqua, Ohio. The #5 size is less commonly found than the popular #8, making this a noteworthy addition to the collection.

Manufactured between 1916 and 1934, this skillet represents approximately 90–100+ years of American cast iron history. The "5B" marking indicates the size (5) and pattern letter (B), which identifies the specific mold used in production.

Authentication Analysis

This piece has been verified as an authentic Favorite Piqua Ware Smiley Logo skillet based on the following characteristics:

✅  "FAVORITE PIQUA WARE" text in arc — correct placement and font

✅  Curved "smiley" embellishment below text — the defining characteristic

✅  Thinner lettering style — distinguishes Smiley from earlier Block Logo

✅  "5B" marking at 6 o'clock position — matches documented examples

✅  Heat ring present — confirms pre-1935 manufacture

✅  Smooth machined cooking surface — Favorite quality standard

✅  No markings on cooking surface — correct for Favorite pieces

✅  Two opposing pour spouts

✅  Lightweight construction — characteristic of quality Ohio foundries

Size Rarity Assessment

Favorite Piqua Ware Smiley Logo skillets vary in rarity by size:

•       #13: Hardest to find (most rare)

•       #6: Second hardest to find

•       #7: "One of the tougher ones to find"

•       #5: Less common than #8 (THIS PIECE)

•       #8: Most commonly found

The #5 is a practical mid-size skillet — large enough for useful cooking but compact for single servings or side dishes. Its relative scarcity compared to the #8 makes it a worthwhile addition to a Smiley Logo collection.

Identification & Markings

Maker: Favorite Stove & Range Company

Location: Piqua, Ohio

Item Type: Skillet

Size: No. 5

Pattern Letter: B (mold identification)

Logo Type: Smiley Logo (curved embellishment)

Heat Ring: Yes

Era: c. 1916–1934 (approximately 90–100+ years old)

Bottom Markings:

•       "FAVORITE PIQUA WARE" (in arc)

•       Curved "smiley" embellishment

•       "5B" (size and pattern letter)

•       Heat ring around bottom perimeter

Measurements (Typical for No. 5)

•       Diameter (spout to spout): ~8 1/2 inches

•       Cooking Surface: ~6 1/2 inches

•       Depth: ~1 3/8 inches

•       Weight: Very light — characteristic of Favorite Piqua

Historical Context

Favorite Stove & Range Company: Founded in 1887 in Piqua, Ohio (Miami County), descended from W.C. Davis Co. (established 1848 in Cincinnati). The foundry produced high-quality cast iron cookware until closing in 1935. Known for lightweight construction and smooth cooking surfaces comparable to Griswold and Wagner.

The Smiley Logo: The most popular and recognizable Favorite Piqua Ware marking. The curved embellishment beneath "FAVORITE PIQUA WARE" resembles a smile, earning this logo its affectionate name among collectors. Produced c. 1916–1934.

Quality & Value: Favorite Piqua Ware offers quality comparable to premium brands at more accessible prices. The lightweight construction makes these skillets particularly pleasant to use — "perfect for someone who likes cooking on cast iron, but does not like the weight of new iron."

Condition Summary

Based on images and listing description:

✅  Smiley Logo clearly visible and legible

✅  Heat ring intact

✅  "5B" markings present

✅  Smooth cooking surface

✅  Good overall condition for age

✅  Authentic 90–100+ year old artifact

Care & Use Notes

•       Excellent for daily cooking — lightweight and easy to handle

•       Perfect size for single servings, eggs, or side dishes

•       Season with preferred oil/fat if needed

•       Clean with hot water and brush — minimal soap

•       Dry immediately and apply light oil

•       Also excellent as display piece given age and collector appeal

Why This Piece Matters in the SSC Collection

This Favorite Piqua Ware #5 Smiley Logo Skillet joins the #7 and #8 Smiley Logo skillets already in the SSC collection, creating a growing set of this beloved Ohio foundry's most popular logo variant.

SSC Favorite Piqua Ware Smiley Logo Collection:

•       #5 Smiley Logo (Pattern B)— THIS PIECE

•       #7 Smiley Logo (Double Dot)

•       #8 Smiley Logo (Pattern B)

Catalog & Naming (SSC Standards)

Catalog Number

SSC-FPW-SKL-05-SMLY-B-001

Inventory Name

Favorite Piqua Ware | Skillet | No. 5 | Smiley Logo | Pattern B | c. 1916–1934

Catalog Code Key

•       SSC: Steve's Seasoned Classics

•       FPW: Favorite Piqua Ware

•       SKL: Skillet

•       05: Size No. 5

•       SMLY: Smiley Logo

•       B: Pattern letter B

•       001: First specimen

SSC Favorite Piqua Ware Smiley Logo Collection

With this acquisition, the SSC collection now includes three Favorite Piqua Ware Smiley Logo skillets:

•       #5 Smiley Logo (Pattern B): — THIS PIECE

•       #7 Smiley Logo (Double Dot)

•       #8 Smiley Logo (Pattern B)

Sizes in Collection: #5, #7, #8

Preservation Statement

Preserved as an authenticated example of Favorite Piqua Ware's beloved Smiley Logo, this No. 5 Skillet represents the craftsmanship of one of Ohio's finest cast iron foundries. The distinctive curved embellishment beneath "FAVORITE PIQUA WARE" — the feature that gives this logo its name — remains clearly visible after approximately 90–100 years. Manufactured in Piqua, Ohio between 1916 and 1934, this skillet joins its companion #7 and #8 Smiley Logo pieces in documenting the Favorite Stove & Range Company's contribution to American cast iron history. The #5 size offers a practical mid-size cooking vessel less commonly found than the popular #8, adding both functionality and rarity to the SSC collection. Steve's Seasoned Classics is honored to preserve this artifact of Ohio's rich cast iron heritage.